(Reuters) – Scotland captain Stuart Hogg plans on having fewer post-match beers and has misplaced 5 kilograms in a bid to enhance his bodily and psychological well being after feeling “drained” following the British & Irish Lions collection defeat in South Africa.

Hogg is not going to characteristic in Saturday’s opening take a look at of the autumn collection towards Tonga because it falls outdoors of the worldwide window and he has membership commitments with Exeter, however might be a key determine within the clashes towards Australia, South Africa and Japan that comply with.

He concedes it was a tricky few months after he was dropped by Exeter for the English Premiership semi-final and ultimate, and from the ultimate Lions take a look at towards the Springboks.

“I used to be bodily and mentally drained after a season-and-a-half of rugby was performed in a single 12 months. After the Lions I felt I wanted an prolonged break,” Hogg informed reporters on Tuesday.

“I misplaced 5 kilograms and sorted my physique rather a lot higher over the previous couple of months. I’m attempting to get myself in the most effective place bodily and mentally to go on the market and carry out.

“I’ve given up plenty of alcohol. Over the summer season it’s good to unwind, however it impacts how I really feel as a sportsman and an individual.”

Hogg says his new concentrate on the psychological aspect of the sport has made a giant distinction already.

“We have seen some examples within the Olympics, the place individuals haven’t been capable of be themselves in these enormous events as a result of their psychological aspect will not be the place it must be,” he mentioned.

“An increasing number of of the boys are tapping into this. For me this has been a large distinction for the reason that Lions tour, to get to the place I’m now.”

Hogg mentioned the upcoming 4 video games might be necessary for Scotland in constructing in direction of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, particularly with quite a lot of new faces within the squad.

“The long-term objective is to be in the most effective place doable for the World Cup. The fact is we’ve to take sport by sport, and over the subsequent 4 weeks we’ve 4 very totally different challenges,” he added.

“We’re right here to win, let’s not beat across the bush. However whether or not we win or lose, we are going to be taught and develop.”

(Reporting by Nick Mentioned; Modifying by Christian Radnedge)