Rugby: Hero Hook met his young fans

Apr 17 2008 by Andrew Harrison, Glamorgan Gazette

WALES and Ospreys Grand Slam hero James Hook was on hand to pass on some of his top tips to youngsters at a borough school.

The 25-times capped outside-half, fresh from EDF Energy Cup success against Leicester, visited Blaencaerau Junior School to answer questions from the rugby-mad pupils.

A gang of excited youngsters mobbed Hook when he arrived at the Llynfi Valley school with Ospreys development officer Dan Owens.

And when order was restored he answered questions from the pupils in a special assembly in the school hall.

“It’s one of those things I’ve got used to doing,” the modest 22-year-old told the Gazette.

“It’s important to get out and speak to youngsters in the region to get them interested in the Ospreys.

“I suppose it’s something the kids enjoy.”

Hook, whose older brother Michael plays for Newport after a short spell with Celtic Crusaders in 2006, said his regional teammates were pleased to get some silverware on Saturday after a disappointing loss to Saracens in the Heineken Cup quarter-final.

“It was definitely a good weekend, especially compared to the week before,” said Hook.

“But it’s one of those things we’ve got to learn from and improve.

“There are a lot of good young players coming through at the Ospreys, which is great for the future.

“And Gareth Owen from Maesteg is one of the best.

“He plays outside-half or full-back, so hopefully he will be pushing me and Shaun Connor for a place in the team.”

Warren Gatland’s Wales take on South Africa in two tests in the summer but Hook is taking nothing for granted, despite being a key first-team player during the Six Nations.

“I hope to go but the squad hasn’t been announced yet and I’ll have to wait for the call,” he said.

“We’ve had a great start with Warren Gatland in charge but there’s still some way to go for us to be at the level he wants us to be.”