I want to play for Wales again – Hook

Editor

Perpignan pivot James Hook has admitted his frustration at being left in the international wilderness by the Wales coaching staff.

Perpignan playmaker James Hook has admitted his frustration at being left in the international wilderness by the Wales coaching staff.

Despite regularly putting in excellent performances for his French club, the versatile back – who has 70 caps for his country – last started a full Test at the 2011 World Cup and played just 22 minutes of this year's Six Nations before being overlooked for both the Lions tour of Australia and Wales' two-match series in Japan.

The 28-year-old, who helped USAP regain a place in the Heineken Cup and reach the Amlin Challenge Cup semi-finals this year, conceded that he finds his omission from the Wales squad “hard to understand.”

“I just hope I still have a future,” Hook told the Rugby Paper.

“I'm not sure what I have to do. It's anyone's guess what the coaches are thinking. Maybe I'll get another chance.

“I believe I can still offer a lot. I've been fortunate enough to play 70-odd times which is a great achievement but it's two years now since I last got into the starting team.

“I'm here if they want me. If I felt I wasn't talented enough, I might think differently. I want to play for Wales again very badly but it's out of my hands.

“You can't give up hope but I'm not going to let it dominate my thinking. Perpignan are back in the Heineken Cup and I'm concentrating on doing my very best to make sure we make the most of the challenges ahead.

“I have thought about the future and I'd love to play for Wales again. To say I don't want to play for my country would be silly because I really do.”