James Hook to retire at the end of season

James Hook to retire at the end of season

Ospreys and Wales back James Hook has confirmed that he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old revealed the news on his Twitter and Instagram, saying: "Hey Guys, Just want to let you know that I’ll be retiring from the game of rugby that I love so much, at the end of this season.



"I've been privileged to do what I love for so long. Never in my wildest dreams, starting out as a 5 year old playing for Aberavon Quins, did I think I’d experience what I have in the game.

"Rugby has given me so many incredible experiences which has allowed me to travel and live in some of the best places. Every team I have played for since the start has shaped my journey and given me incredible memories that I will always treasure..."

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 

Hey Guys, Just want to let you know that I’ll be retiring from the game of rugby that I love so much, at the end of this season. I've been privileged to do what I love for so long. Never in my wildest dreams, starting out as a 5 year old playing for Aberavon Quins, did I think I’d experience what I have in the game. Rugby has given me so many incredible experiences which has allowed me to travel and live in some of the best places. Every team I have played for since the start has shaped my journey and given me incredible memories that I will always treasure. I have so many people to thank. Firstly, my teams. Thank you @aberavonquins125, @aberavonrfc, @tatasteelrfc, @neathrugbyofficial, @ospreys_official, @usapofficiel, @officialgloucesterrugby, @barbarians_fc, @welshrugbyunion and the @britishandirishlions Massive thanks to all the fans who supported me throughout the highs and lows of my career. I’m truly grateful and have appreciated your support so much. Thank you to the people who have made my dreams possible - my teammates, coaches, backroom staff, parents, Grandparents, brother, sister, my in laws, along with my friends, sponsors and my agent Derwyn. Lastly, but by no means least, thank you to my amazing wife Kim, and our three sons - you’ve been my rock and constant, lived it with me and backed me every step of the way. It’s been an unbelievable ride and I’ll attack my next adventures in the same way that I always approached the game, and that is - play what’s in front, take a few risks, and do it all with as much positivity as I can possibly bring. Thank you 🙏 x


A post shared by James Hook (@james___hook) on




 Hook played 81 times for Wales and toured with the 2009 British and Irish Lions in South Africa. He scored 352 points in his 81 Tests between 2006 and 2015, and was part of two Grand Slams and three Six Nations-winning sides, and played in three World Cups.

He will see out the remainder of the season with the Ospreys before hanging up his boots to focus on a series of rugby-themed children's books, as well as a career in coaching.



Latest News