Retired Welsh international and British & Irish Lions player James Hook is set to lace up his boots once more for a star-studded game to mark his testimonial year on June 10th at the Gnoll in Neath.
James announced his retirement in 2020 following a 16-year long career which began in Neath, and saw him take to the pitch for Wales, Ospreys, Perpignan, Gloucester, and the British & Irish Lions.
During his career he won 81 caps for Wales, 6 caps for British & Irish Lions, and has the title of Wales’ fourth highest all-time points scorer.
As he enters his retirement James will be returning to his roots and heading back to Neath were the James Hook Select XV will take on the Classic Lions XV and will see players including himself, Shane Williams, Mike Philips, Aled Brew, and Colin Charvis take to the pitch. Welsh internationals Ken Owens and Richard Hibbard have also taken on coaching roles in the testimonial match this summer.
The match is expected to see 5,000 spectators who will be able to soak up the atmosphere on the side-lines or watch from the comfort of hospitality where various packages are available. Each hospitality package provides options for food, drink, a meet and great with players, and access to post-match entertainment. There’s also the opportunity to sponsor the players kit, referees kit, and the match ball.
The match will also be used to raise vital funds for great causes such as Swansea Mind and Wales Air Ambulance.
James said: “I am elated to be lacing up my boots again and taking to the pitch with some of my old teammates. Rugby has been such a pivotal part of my life, so it was only right that we incorporated a rugby match into my testimonial year to see me into my retirement.
“The day is going to be a great opportunity for fans to see some of their favourite players come out of retirement, and for us to raise funds for great causes that are close to my heart.
“I’m looking forward to seeing lots of new and old faces on the side-lines and I can’t thank everyone enough for their continued support during my career, and now in my retirement.”
