James Hook to decide on his Ospreys future

[TRF_Cymro]

Wales star James Hook says he will make a decision on his Ospreys future after the Autumn internationals in November.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to French club Perpignan and his his Ospreys deal runs out in May.

"I will probably make a decision [on my future] over the next month or two," the centre revealed.

"My goal was to get back on the pitch and get fit hopefully for the autumn internationals and make a decision after that."

Hook, the versatile British and Irish Lions back, played through the pain barrier for much of last season, but pulled out of Wales' two-Test tour of New Zealand last month to undergo shoulder surgery.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/ospreys/9084570.stm​

 

[TRF_Olyy]

If he does decide to move to Perpignan, how will that affect his Wales hopes for the WC?
If his contract runs out in May, and the WC is in September, then thats a few months in France beforehand, maybe Gatland won't like that

 

[dullonien]

It's a tough one. I don't think it will affect his Wales hopes atall, as he's such an important player for us, well as long as he continues to play well unlike a certain scrum half when he moved. Gatland's actual policy is that it makes it harder for non welsh based players to be selected as they can't keep an eye on them as easily and player realease can also become and issue. He said that if there were a case of a 50/50 call between two players, he'd always pick the Welsh based player. Now I don't think he's kept to those guidelines, Delve for instance was overlooked on numerous occasions even though he was probably the best choice (in my opinion), same with Eifion-Lewis Roberts (though I can understand Gatland's issues with his weight).

Hook will be involved with Wales no matter what in my view. Moving to Perpignan may just change what position he'll play though.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Gatland at times smacks me of double standards, if he selects Andy Powell then his comments about Peel and Delve and his entire ideology on not selecting Welsh based players is flawed.

 

[Draggs]

I believe Gatland has hinted that James would not be dismissed from the Wales team if he moves to France.

 

[munstermuffin]

Would Hook benefit from this move in terms of rugby???
Maybe the change of scenery may be a good thing but would he be a better player from leaving I don't know.

 

[Draggs]

Would Hook benefit from this move in terms of rugby???
Maybe the change of scenery may be a good thing but would he be a better player from leaving I don't know.

He wants to play at 10, which is not happening at the Ospreys and for Wales. He is no doubt a better standoff than centre, but I am not sure how it will affect him playing two different positions for the season.