James Hook (rugby union)
Neath College | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notable relative(s) | Mike Hook (brother) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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James William Hook (born 27 June 1985) is a retired Welsh
Hook began his club career with Neath, from 2004 to 2006. He then played for the Ospreys (2006–2011), Perpignan (2011–2014) and Gloucester (2014–2016), before returning to the Ospreys in 2016.
Hook toured South Africa in 2009 with the British & Irish Lions, making six appearances. He was named on the bench for the third test, but did not play in the game.
Early and personal life
Hook was born in the
Hook's childhood heroes were
In June 2011, Hook married long-term partner Kimberley. In 2004 Kimberley was in the U17 Welsh Netball Squad. The couple have a son, born on 23 December 2009. In 2014, Hook announced that Kimberley was pregnant with their second child.[citation needed]
Career
Club
Hook grew up playing schoolboy rugby with the junior and youth set-ups at various Port Talbot-based clubs including
At senior level and before making the step up to regional rugby with the Ospreys, Hook enjoyed great success for Neath RFC, becoming the record holder for the highest individual points tally within a season. He also played for Neath College as a youngster.
Hook played his way into the Ospreys first XV in the
In November 2010 it was announced that Hook would not be signing a new contract with the Ospreys.[2] On 26 January 2011 James announced that he would be joining French Top 14 side USA Perpignan on a 3-year deal for the 2011–12 season despite warnings from Wales' national coach Warren Gatland that he may not consider players based outside Wales in his future squads.[3][4]
On 2 June 2014, Hook was granted early release from
On 30 November 2016, Hook rejoined home region Ospreys in Wales on a three-year deal ahead of the 2017–18 season.[6]
International
After excelling at under-21 level for Wales, Hook starred for the Welsh sevens team, scoring a match-winning try to defeat South Africa Sevens in the plate final of the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Hook made his international debut against Argentina under new Welsh coach Gareth Jenkins, scoring a late try in the match.[7]
Hook made his home debut for Wales against
During the 2007 Six Nations Championship, Hook played in all of Wales's games, but was hampered by being employed at inside centre, rather than in his preferred position of fly-half for the first four matches. As a result, he struggled to make an impact. In the final game against England, however, he was finally switched to fly-half and produced a Man of the Match-winning performance, scoring 22 points in Wales' 27–18 win. He also completed his first "full house" in this match (scoring a drop goal, penalty, try and conversion). The victory was Wales' first over a 'Tier One' rugby nation since the 2006 Six Nations Championship victory over Scotland.
Hook put in a man-of-the-match performance as he helped Wales beat England 26–19 in the first game of the 2008 Six Nations Championship on 2 February 2008.
On 10 February 2008, Hook was selected at fly-half for the 30–15 win over Scotland in the 2008 Six Nations Championship. Hook scored a try and kicked two conversions and a penalty, before being replaced by Stephen Jones in the 58th minute. He was a member of the Wales side that completed the Grand Slam with victory against France.[8]
In May 2009, Hook was included in the
In 2010, Hook was selected to the Wales 2010 Six Nations Championship team, playing for the first time at outside centre.
In January 2011 Hook confirmed he would join French side
International tries
Post rugby career
On 13 January 2020, Hook announced his retirement from the game, to take place at the end of the 2019–20 season upon expiration of his contract with the Ospreys. He mentioned wanting to remain involved in rugby by coaching, with focus on skills, but also with his first children-stories book in the release process.[10]
On 11 August 2020, Hook stays with his team
In 2021, Hook took part in S4C's Welsh language learning programme Iaith ar Daith, being paired with referee Nigel Owens as his mentor.[12]
References
- ^ Kimmage, Paul (15 April 2007). "'It seems crazy. This time last year I was playing semi-professional rugby'". London: Times Online. Retrieved 5 February 2008.
- ^ "James Hook to leave the Ospreys at season's end". BBC Sport. 2 November 2010. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
- ^ "James Hook to leave Ospreys and join Perpignan handing Wales a problem". the Guardian.
- ^ "Hook confirms Perpignan contract". BBC News. 26 January 2011.
- ^ "Wales international back James Hook leaves USA Perpignan for Gloucester Rugby". Gloucester Rugby. 2 June 2014. Archived from the original on 6 April 2017. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
- ^ "James Hook returning to Ospreys on three-year deal". Sky Sports. 30 November 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
- ^ "Argentina 27-25 Wales". BBC. 11 June 2006. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ "Wales 29-12 France". BBC. 15 March 2008. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ "BBC Sport – Rugby Union – James Hook confirms Perpignan contract". bbc.co.uk.
- ^ "James Hook to retire and consider becoming full-time children's author". theguardian.com. January 2020.
- ^ "James Hook: Former Wales back appointed to Ospreys coaching team". BBC Sport. 11 August 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
- ^ "'I would encourage anyone to start learning Welsh' says James Hook after 'intensive' course with Nigel Owens". Nation.Cymru. 30 January 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2021.