James Hook has never considered turning his back on Wales

Wales fly-half James Hook says he has never considered quitting Test rugby despite the fact he has made just two starts for his country since the last World Cup.

And the 30-year-old Gloucester man will now get the opportunity to start at No 10 when Wales play Ireland in Saturday’s World Cup warm-up match.

It will be a 78th cap for Hook and gives him a great opportunity to boost his chances of being named in the squad for what would be a third World Cup.

“I never thought of packing it in,” said the 30-year-old.

"It does get tough but, when you see your mates out there, you realise what a great atmosphere there is in the stadium with the Six Nations and the autumn Internationals. You never want to turn your back on that.

"You are disappointed to miss out, but that only drives you on to work that little bit harder. It has been tough, but that's sport and you get on with it.

It does get tough but, when you see your mates out there, you realise what a great atmosphere there is in the stadium with the Six Nations and the autumn Internationals. You never want to turn your back on that.

"The build-up to the previous World Cup, you knew in the back of your head that if you keep fit you are probably going to go.

"This time, you are not certain, and you work that little bit harder to try to make the squad, let alone the (matchday) 23. It does drive you on, and will probably mean more to me than the previous two World Cups."

Hook spent three seasons with French club Perpignan immediately after the last World Cup and head coach Warren Gatland said: “Part of the reason why James hasn't had a frequent place in the team is the decision he made to leave Wales and go to France.

“He went to Perpignan, then wasn't selected as a 10 and ended up playing at full-back.

"He has been at Gloucester and wasn't playing particularly well for the first half of the season, but really improved his form towards the end of the campaign.

"It's a great chance for him on Saturday, with that experience that he has had and the maturity that he's got."