JAMES Hook is set to extend his Ospreys career after agreeing to become kicking and skills coach at the Liberty Stadium.
The 34-year-old revealed in January the current season would be his last and earlier this month he confirmed the coronavirus pandemic meant he had played his last game.
Now Hook, who scored 352 points in 81 Tests for Wales between 2006 and 2015, is set to take his first steps into coaching as part of new Ospreys boss Toby Booth's backroom team.
Hook told TRP last week that he was hopeful of a coaching role with Ospreys and yesterday added: “I'm in the process of sorting out my first step on to the ladder post-rugby, which I'm really excited about.
“I want to keep myself busy after rugby. I enjoy the role Neil Jenkins did with me when I was coming through. You're not just a kicking coach, but a mentor. If I can do that with young players it would be great.”
Hook was part of two Grand Slam and three Six Nations-winning Wales sides and played in three World Cups. He also toured with the 2009 Lions.
As one of Wales' most talented players he will bring a huge amount of experience to the Ospreys despite it being his first coaching job.
Booth will begin his role on July 1 and has been busy finalising the assistant coaches who will work alongside him at the Liberty. The former London Irish, Bath and Harlequins coach is looking for forwards and backs coaches and a scrum technician ahead of the season resuming on August 22.
ALEX BYWATER
