Hogg signed his first pro contract with Edinburgh Rugby in 2002 and went on to establish himself as a first-team regular as well as an on-field leader of the team.
Hogg continued to have an influence as Scotland improved throughout 2008, playing in both Tests as they registered a series draw in Argentina before packing down against the All Blacks and South Africa at Murrayfield during the autumn internationals.
This combined with competition from new players such as Alasdair Strokosch and John Barclay lead to Hogg being dropped from the team and playing no further part in the campaign.
Despite a change of national coach Hogg was not recalled by Andy Robinson for Scotland duty, despite being a player that he had consistently turned to while in charge at Edinburgh.
In September 2012, Newcastle coach Dean Richards, petitioned for Hogg's return to the national fold following several outstanding performances at the start of the season, including a hat-trick of tries against London Scottish.