Gloucester Rugby confirm the signing of Wales star James Hook

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Gloucester Rugby have confirmed the signing of Wales international fly-half James Hook.

The 28-year-old former Ospreys man has agreed a switch to Kingsholm from French Top 14 outfit Perpignan.

Gloucester CEO Stephen Vaughan said that the chance to sign the 75 cap star was too good an opportunity to pass up on.

Following the dismissal of Nigel Davies as director of rugby, Vaughan stated that there would be no further recruitment until a successor had been found.

There had already been tentative talks with Hook’s representatives and while the search for a new Cherry and White chief continues, Vaughan could not let the opportunity to snare Hook pass.

He said: “We were aware of his availability for a while as were a number of clubs. Some tough decisions were made at the end of the season in terms of our coaching staff but we decided to continue conversations.

“The first time we met James was at the club after the season had finished. We believe he will be a massive addition and we carried on with the discussions regardless because it was too good an opportunity to miss.”

Hook had more than 10 offers from clubs across the rugby world and Vaughan reckons the fact his has plumped for Gloucester says it all.

And the prospect of unleashing the much-vaunted Cherry and White back line was a mouth-watering proposition.

Vaughan said: “He’s had an inordinate amount of

interest, you don’t often get a player of James’ talent available at any part of the season.

“A number of things appealed to him, he can see the vision of where we are trying to go, how the club is structured and the squad which has an array of talent – he can’t wait to get the backline firing.

“He came to Kingsholm and thought it was a phenomenal ground, he knows about the club, the training facilities and loves the area.

“It proves how strong the club is and he has every confidence that we will do the right things around the coaching department.”

Vaughan also confirmed that both Hook and Richard Hibbard have signed contracts with no extra release clauses.

Welsh management have encouraged their internationals to have extra release, outside IRB windows, written into their contracts.

But Gloucester have been determined to adhere to Premiership Rugby Limited regulations.

Article source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/10870656/Money-at-the-root-of-evil-cricket-and-rugby-schedules.html

Gloucester Rugby confirm the signing of Wales star James Hook