James Hook is set to leave the Ospreys
Welsh international James Hook will leave the Ospreys at the end of the season, according to BBC Wales’ Scrum V.
The versatile playmaker’s deal expires at the end of the season and he is now set to leave the Ospreys and join a new club.
The news came as a huge blow to the Welsh side, after Hook told the club that he would not sign a new deal.
The British and Irish Lion did not mention what club he would join, but it is expected that the midfielder will move to a French club and Perpignan appear to be the favourites to capture the 25-year-old.
However, Perpignan will face tough competition in securing the talented utility player’s signature.
Toulon, Racing Metro and Stade Francais have all been linked with Hook in the past and the centre could still join a number of interested clubs.
One of Hook’s reasons for leaving is the emergence of Dan Biggar at out-half, a position that Hook would prefer to play in. Hook has been used in the position with club and country, but he has played most of his games as a centre.
Welsh coach Warren Gatland will be worried about the number of his stars that are leaving the Welsh game.
Gatland is a strong advocate of picking home-based players, but with Gavin Henson joining English side Saracens and Hook linked with a move to France, the Welsh coach may have to ease his stance in the future to accommodate two world class players.
The Ospreys had hoped that Hook would remain at the club, due to the Welsh Rugby Union’s desire to pick players who play with Welsh clubs.
However, Hook has not yet ruled out joining Cardiff, the Scarlets or the Dragons and he may have more of an opportunity in the out-half position with one of the Ospreys' domestic rivals.
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