Wales
Hook: Playing in France has improved me
ESPN Staff
November 21, 2013
James Hook will play at No.10 for Wales on Friday © PA Photos
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Wales' James Hook is adamant his move to France has improved him as a player though would not be drawn on Perpignan's decision to block him from playing against Australia on November 30.

Hook will line up at fly-half for Friday night's game against Tonga in what will be his final game for Wales during the autumn internationals. Wales still have one more game, against the Wallabies, but due to the match falling outside the international Test window, it is Perpignan's call over whether he is free to play.

They have opted to recall him for their match against Clermont Auvergne and although his move to France seems to have hindered his chances of playing regular Test rugby, Hook is adamant the switch to the Top 14 has improved him as a player.

"It's difficult for me to comment but I haven't any regrets," Hook told the South Wales Evening Post. "Australia is only one game in the international calendar. At the end of the day, the club pay my wages. It's not an ideal world.

"Playing in France has been great for me. It's enhanced my rugby and I think I'm a better player for it, so in that respect I have no regrets. It's given me the experience of playing in a different league and taken me out of my comfort zone, having to speak a different language and so on.

"That said, I loved playing for the Ospreys when the best players were there. It was great for the fans as well."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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