Background
Abbott was born in Cape Town, South Africa. His mother was English.
Abbott was born in Cape Town, South Africa. His mother was English.
He was educated at Western Province Preparatory School and Diocesan College, which is commonly known as Bishops", where he says he was caned.
On 24 October 2007 Abbott announced his immediate retirement due to a shoulder injury. Springbok centre Robbie Fleck, and Selborne Boome went to the same school. He later played for Western Province and South Africa U23
During the 1999 World Cup, Abbott signed for English club Leicester Tigers, who had lost several players to international duty, and made two appearances, on the recommendation of former Tigers and Springbok fly-half Joel Stransky.
In 2001 he played for the South African Super 12 side Stormers.
In November 2001 Abbott was signed by English club Wasps. He turned down an approach from South Africa coach Rudolph Straeuli prior to the World Cup but decided to play for England.
Stuart Abbott scored on his England debut when he scored one of the five tries in England"s 43–9 Rugby World Cup warm up match with Wales at the Millennium Stadium in August 2003. After impressing again in a pre-World Cup trial against France two weeks later, was selected in England"s World Cup squad.
He missed out on the 2004 Six Nations Championship through injury but showed his class for his club, earning his call up for the 2004 summer tour.
He struggled with injuries after the World Cup and broke his leg in 2005 in a Heineken Cup game between Wasps and Biarritz. In 2006, Abbott joined the newly promoted Harlequins for the 2006-2007 season, but only made 17 appearances for them before his injury-enforced retirement. In May 2008 Abbott was announced Backs Coach at Rosslyn Park Football Club, who finished second in the 2008/2009 season.