Hook happy in any position

James Hook insists he will play in any position as long as he can keep pulling on the Welsh shirt. [more]

Hook happy in any position

James Hook insists he will play in any position as long as he can keep pulling on the Welsh shirt.

Hook featured at fly-half and centre for the Lions in 2009 and it has been a similar scenario in the red of Wales.

But the prestigious play-maker, who will join Perpignan next season, is happy to play in any position as long as he is on the pitch.

"I like the fly-half position, but I am being genuine when I say I don’t mind where I am asked to play for my country," said Hook.

"There are one or two shirts on my wall at home that my wife, Kim, has had framed and put up there for me and they don’t all have 10’ on the back by any stretch – there are definitely some 12’s and 13’s as well and every jersey is special.

"It’s fair to say I’d like to keep hold of a starting spot for Wales if I can, in whatever position, but I do hope to be playing there next year when I go to France.

"Going to France is right at the back of my mind at the moment. I have the practical things sorted, so the rest will just take care of itself and I don’t need to worry about it."

Hook has just returned to Wales following the first of two training camps in Spala, Poland. Warren Gatland's extended 45-man squad return to Spala next week before World Cup warm-up matches against England twice and Argentina.

And he is relishing the opportunity to face the 'old enemy' once again.

"Growing up, Wales versus England was always the game you looked forward to and the one you watched most keenly," said Hook.

"It’s something about the historic rivalry between our two nations that just creates a unique atmosphere every time we play.

"I don’t think it’s just me, I think the whole of the squad and probably the whole of Wales enjoys the rivalry we have."

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