James Hook signs for Perpignan

January 27, 2011

James Hook has signed a three year deal with French giants Perpignan.  The deal will be completed on 1st July and it will make him the highest paid player in Welsh history.

James said “It’s daunting but I’m hugely excited. The last couple of years I have always wanted to go out to France and experience it. The easiest thing would have been to stay. The Ospreys are a great region. All of my friends are from that region but it’s a short career. The positives outweigh the negative.”

Hook’s contract includes a release clause for all of Wales’ pre-World Cup preparations including the test matches against England and Argentina. He will also be available for all matches covered by the IRB’s test windows.

“We have had assurances that James will be available for all international matches. He will join up with Perpignan after the World Cup” said Derwyn Jones. “There are no certainties. It is the same for James Hook, Jonny Wilkinson and every other player playing in France. When you’re making a move like this, you can’t base a decision on whether you will be playing for Wales in two or three years’ time or the possibility for one extra international a season”