<<<BACK He may have already forced his way into the Wales squad, but 21-year-old fly-half James Hook is certain to be the Principality’s emerging sporting star of 2007.
Hook made his first appearance for the national team in June against Argentina, before he had even started a game for his club side, the Neath-Swansea Ospreys.
And he has made an incredible beginning to the new season, coming off the bench to kick the penalty which earned Wales a draw against Australia. His club coach Lyn Jones has lavished praise on him, describing him as ‘the new Barry John’. “He glides over the top of the ground, holds the ball in two hands, avoids defenders and uses his runners,” said Jones. “He attacks the line, defends well, has speed and also a big kicking game.” In a year which ends with the World Cup in France, Hook could prove the catalyst to reinvigorate Gareth Jenkins’ team.
John StantonRugby: James Hook