Hogg: I asked Townsend for Scotland captaincy

Stuart Hogg has revealed he approached Gregor Townsend to ask if he could take over as Scotland captain after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Hogg was named as skipper last week when Scotland head coach Townsend announced his Six Nations squad.

The Exeter Chiefs full-back takes over from Stuart McInally for the tournament, which starts on February 1.

Hogg took it upon himself to put his hand up for the captaincy following the disappointment of Scotland’s failure to reach the quarter-finals on the biggest stage of all in Japan.

“I came back after the World Cup and had a conversation with Gregor,” the British and Irish Lion told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I asked about his thoughts on leadership going forward and said I’d like to be captain; I’d like to have the opportunity to lead this team and take us forward.

“I want to make a difference. The captains that have been before me have done terrific jobs, but I want to put my mark on it.”

WATCH | “I’m nervous but I am very, very excited”

Watch the full interview with Scotland Captain Stuart Hogg as he talks about the leadership team around him and how he’s feeling ahead of the #GuinnessSixNations at https://t.co/IBo6oqcV5O. #AsOne pic.twitter.com/zViH1DkbKa

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) January 22, 2020

Scotland won only once in the Six Nations last year and Hogg knows that is unacceptable as they prepare to face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on the opening weekend.

Hogg added at the launch of the tournament on Wednesday: “Ireland have lost one home game in the championship in the last five years so that just shows you how difficult it is to win away from home – Dublin, Twickenham, Cardiff, Paris, Rome.

“Even our record at Murrayfield over the last few years, you have to be at your very best to win away, you have to stay in the fight, you can’t give the opposition easy points.

“You can’t let the crowd get more energised, the home crowd will bring more noise, more energy and the home team feeds off that – and we need to be better, we know that.

“We start with an away game this year and even though it’s a tough challenge, it’s the best preparation for us to see where we are, see if we have learned over the last few years.”

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