Hook calls on hookers for coaching duty in testimonial
WALES internationals Ken Owens and Richard Hibbard have agreed to take on coaching roles in James Hook’s testimonial match in Neath this summer.
The pair will guide Classic Lions in the encounter with a James Hook XV at The Gnoll on June 10.
Hibbard and Hook go back a long way, with the duo attending Glan Afan Comprehensive School in Port Talbot and then coming through the Ospreys development system, making their debuts for the Ospreys’ senior team within 15 days of each other in the autumn of 2004.
Within two years they were lining up for their Test bows on the same day, against Argentina in Puerto Madryn on June 11, 2006.
Wales have had days when outstanding players burst on to the international scene together – Barry John, Gerald Davies and Delme Thomas made their first appearances for Wales on the same day against Australia in 1966 – but that match in Patagonia 16 years ago was one to rival any other for new faces, with Alun Wyn Jones and Ian Evans joining Hook and Hibbard in enjoying their maiden Test outings.
All four, of course, went on to have distinguished careers with the Ospreys and Wales.
The Hook-hibbard connection continued at Gloucester, where the pair played together and proved popular with The Shed – Hook for his eye-catching skills, calm and versatility, Hibbard for his thunderous, no-reverse-gear approach.
All along, the two have remained mates.
Owens and Hook played together for Wales and were part of the set-up when Warren Gatland oversaw a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2012.
The Sheriff, as Owens is widely known, has been sidelined for virtually all this season by a back injury.
Hook’s side will include Mike Phillips, Shane Williams, Colin Charvis and Aled Brew.
James Hook’s XV v Classic Lions XV takes place at The Gnoll on Friday, June 10. Tickets can be purchased at Neathrfc.com