Hook to get a new role at the Ospreys
mark.orders@walesonline.co.uk
JAMES Hook is poised to stay on at the Ospreys as the region’s new kicking coach.
The 81-cap Wales international recently retired as a player after two stints with the Llandarcybased team spread over close on 16 years.
But he has been lined up for a fresh role as part of the Ospreys’ backroom staff.
“Everything’s been thrown up in the air a bit by the coronavirus crisis but I hope to continue being involved with the region,” he said.
“I’ve been doing some kicking coaching since I returned to the Ospreys three years ago, helping the academy boys. I’ve also worked with senior boys like Cai Evans and Luke Price.
“I’ve been in touch with Dave Alred, who’s vastly experienced in the field, to see if I can pick up some tips from him, while I’ve also spoken to Neil Jenkins.
“I’m trying to develop as much knowledge as I can to pass on to to young players.
“I’d like to think I could act as a mentor for those boys. In that sense, it’s about more than being a kicking coach.”
One of the most talented players of his generation, Hook has acquired coaching qualifications with the Welsh Rugby Union and it would be a surprise if his brief with the Ospreys didn’t also involve a skills-coach dimension.
He had been earmarked for some on-the-job coaching experience with the WRU before the coronavirus pandemic.
The 35-year-old had been assigned to head up Wales U19s against Japan High Schools, with Geraint Lewis and Chris Horsman supporting him and acting as mentors.
But the fixture had to be wiped from the spring calendar.