Former Wales back James Hook confirms his retirement

Former Wales back James Hook has confirmed his playing retirement with immediate effect.

The 34-year-old playmaker announced in January that he would be hanging up his boots at the end of the season, but the coronavirus pandemic denied him a chance of a farewell game.

Hook represented Wales 81 times between 2006 and 2015 winning two Grand Slams, three Six Nations titles and played in three World Cups scoring 352 points.

He was also part of the British and Irish Lions in 2009 and had stints at Perpignan and Gloucester but his significant success - including two league titles - came at Ospreys, where he started and finished his professional career

Hook scored 352 points in 81 Tests for Wales between 2006 and 2015. He was part of two Grand Slams and three Six Nations-winning sides, and played in three World Cups.

His post-retirement career options include becoming a children's author, while he has also been awarded a testimonial match.

"Last week officially marked the end of my Ospreys playing contract and with it my rugby playing career," Hook wrote on Instagram.

 

 

 

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Last week officially marked the end of my @ospreys_official playing contract and with it, my rugby playing career. I was hoping to finish off with a few more appearances but unfortunately, for obvious reasons, I wasn’t able to do that. I’m in the process of sorting out my first step onto the ladder post rugby, which, to be honest, I’m really excited about and this should be confirmed in the next couple of weeks. I’ll be staying in shape for my @jameshooktestimonial match which now looks likely to take place sometime during 2021. Thanks very much to everyone who has supported me through what has been an incredible journey. Thank you!

A post shared by James Hook (@james___hook) on Jun 3, 2020 at 9:07am PDT

"I was hoping to finish off with a few more appearances but, for obvious reasons, I wasn't able to do that."

"I’m in the process of sorting out my first step onto the ladder post rugby, which, to be honest, I’m really excited about and this should be confirmed in the next couple of weeks.

I’ll be staying in shape for my @jameshooktestimonial match which now looks likely to take place sometime during 2021.

Thanks very much to everyone who has supported me through what has been an incredible journey. Thank you!"