Stuart Hogg to cheer on Hawick in BT Cup final

SCOTLAND full-back Stuart Hogg will be among the green army of Hawick supporters set to descend on BT Murrayfield on Saturday as the Borders club looks to win the national club knock-out competition for the first time in 13 years.

Hogg will be among his ain folk as he cheers on his hometown team. Picture: Ian Rutherford

A fleet of 20 buses will head up the A7 as the Mansfield Park outfit take on Boroughmuir in the BT Cup final looking for a third success after winning the inaugural showpiece in 1996 and then again in 2002.

And British and Irish Lion Hogg will be “among his ain folk” as he cheers on his hometown team from the stands with his club Glasgow Warriors having a free weekend.

“I am indeed going on Saturday,” said Hogg, who was at BT Murrayfield yesterday for the announcement of the national teams’ new shirt sponsorship.

“There’s a fair few Hawick people coming up and I’ll certainly be amongst them. I’m massively excited for that and I’m still friends with a lot of the boys at Hawick.

“I’ve been speaking to them and they can’t contain themselves. They are ready to go. It’s a great occasion for them and for the town as well. The town’s going nuts at the moment and hopefully they will have something to celebrate on Saturday.”

Hogg revealed that his injury is progressing well and he hopes to be back in a Glasgow jersey as soon as possible.

“The groin is good, rehab seems to be going well and, touch wood, hopefully I’ll be back in the next wee while,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting back and hoping it will be next week. You never put a time limit on anything but I’d like to think I’ll be in contention for selection next week. I will have to have trained by this time next week but hopefully things go well and I can be back involved.”

Guinness Pro12 leaders Glasgow play Connacht in Galway next Saturday as they continue their bid for a home semi-final with three games to go.

“It’s an exciting time.,” continued Hogg. “The boys are on fire, we’re playing really well and we’re massively up for the next few weeks. In the last three or four years we’ve been in semi-finals and finals so we have got that experience and know what it’s about.

“We certainly want to be amongst it come the end of the season.”

While aware that things can’t be rushed, Hogg inisted that he would rather be in the action than being overly cautious.

“For me I’d much prefer to be in contention for Glasgow at the moment. We’ve got a league to win and hopefully I’d be involved in that if possible. I’ve enjoyed my rugby this season and played with a smile on my face throughout so here’s hoping I’ll be back in a Glasgow jersey as soon as I can.”