James Hook to join French side Perpignan
James Hook deems ‘Positives far overshadow the negatives’ as he considers a new-fangled club career with Heineken Cup last eight’s Perpignan in France. Welsh superstar James Hook signed a new three year deal worth a million Euro at least and will be making
his debut for the club in October after World Cup.
His deal will officially be starting from July, has clearly mentioned in the contract that he will be released for all the World Cup training with his national team Wales. He has also been granted to be a part of tournament warm up tests against Argentina,
England and Australia in August. Former Wales lock and Hook’s agent, Derwyn Jones said, “We have had assurances that James will be available for all international matches. He will join up with Perpignan after the World Cup.”
Confirming the news to the reporters he added, “There are no certainties. It is the same for James Hook, Jonny Wilkinson and every player playing in France.”
James William Hook is a Welsh rugby union player and is reckoned to be the world’s most talented young rugby player. He is currently playing for Ospreys and will be appearing in Six Nations 2011 for Wales as well. His strengths are unswerving goal kicking,
great tactical consciousness and neat distribution skills, but his recognition in his national team is because of his exhilarating running style, which is a conventional feature of Wales fly half play. He is also been compared to renowned countryman Barry
John, All Black star Dan Carter. His team mates have nick named him as Hooky and Captain Hook.
The 25 year old fly half before appearing in Ospreys had spent a successful time with Neath RFC. He is the record holder for the maximum individual points scorer in any season, for Neath RFC.
Hook became the starting line player for Ospreys in 2006 season and gave outstanding performance. He has been a vital member of the club since then and has given many memorable performances, including the conversion against Sale Sharks in 2007 Heineken Cup
match that resulted in to Ospreys’ victory.
Before the start of the current season, Hook announced that he will not be continuing his contract with Ospreys after this season ends. Since then until today there were numerous rumours and doubts regarding who will sign this star.
Captain Hook has capped Wales through 43 games since he made his debut in 2006 against Australia as a substitute for the injured Stephen Jones. He was awarded Man of the Match for his debut home match, where he scored 13 points and saved Wales from losing
the match which was drawn 29-29. Since 2007 he has been a starting line player for Wales in every Six Nations including the one this year.
Talking to the press the player said, “I have spoken to Warren and expressed my desire to go over there, and in fairness he has been great and said he is not going to hold me back. Ultimately, it was my decision, but Warren and Rob have been great, and the
Ospreys coaches have also given me support after I announced my decision to leave.”
Perpignan has qualified for last eight this Heineken Cup and is consistently getting better every year. More anticipation is expected as Hook would be Perpignan’s highest paid player in history.
The major reason behind this decision was the absence of release clause form Ospreys’ contract which Perpignan has given a verbal green signal. Derwyn Jones informed the media regarding this transfer, “It is down to the goodwill of the club, down to the
relationship of the club and the player. We have had assurances that James will be available for all international matches. He will join up with Perpignan after the World Cup.”
Perpignan has hosted many international players before, for example Dan Carter; currently they have French internationals like Nicolas Mas, Maxime Mermoz and David Marty. Hook is another player to follow the foot step of elite players like Tom Palmer, James
Haskell and Jonny Wilkinson to induce himself into French club rugby.
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