Overseas stars set for Hook tribute
TWO of Welsh rugby’s finest overseas players have joined the cast for James Hook’s testimonial at The Gnoll next month.
Ma’ama Molitika and Nick Williams established themselves as firm favourites in Wales during their time playing this side of the River Severn.
They will guest for Classic Lions against a James Hook Select XV in Neath on June 10. Each has distinguished on-pitch histories playing in this part of the world.
Hard-nut back rower Molitika played more than 200 games in Welsh rugby during spells with Bridgend, Celtic Warriors and Cardiff. The 6ft 5in Tonga international featured in the Cardiff sides that won the EDF Energy Cup in 2009 and the Amlin Challenge Cup a year later, figuring on the blindside in a perfectly balanced back row with Martyn Williams at openside and Xavier Rush at No.8.
There are not been many better breakaway units in the history of professional rugby in Wales. The unassuming Molitika spent much of his time wading through the unglamorous jobs that every back-row has to deal with, while he was also adept at killing opposition attacks with his tackling.
He officially set aside his playing boots in 2020 at the grand old age of 45, after a successful spell with Ampthill.
Powerhouse No. 8 Williams spent four seasons at Cardiff from 2016 to 2020, playing 77 games and earning cult idol status in the process.
He won a player of the year gong in 2018 and played a key role in the Challenge Cup final success against Gloucester that year, showing up prominently in attack and defence.
Shane Williams and Mike Phillips are among those lining up on Hook’s team, having also agreed to come out of retirement for the match.
The game is seen as an opportunity for Hook to have a proper on-pitch farewell after his own retirement as a player came during the pandemic.
Tickets are online only and can be purchased at jameshooktestimonal.com and neathrfc.com.