Gloucester fly-half James Hook 'not expecting' to be in Wales' World Cup squad
Thursday 30 April 2015 22:43, UK
James Hook is not expecting to be part of Wales' squad for the World Cup later this year.
The Gloucester fly-half believes it would be a 'bonus' if Warren Gatland calls him up for the tournament but that a lack of international distraction has made him a better performer for his club side.
Hook has started just twice for Wales since the 2011 World Cup and his place as the squad’s utility player is likely to go to Gareth Anscombe of the Cardiff Blues, a player capable of covering at stand-off and full-back.
At 29, Hook is not at retirement age but doubts he will be able to force his way into Wales' World Cup squad.
"I always hope, but it is out of my hands," he said. "I have not had any contact or anything.
"It has probably helped me because I have focused on Gloucester and not thought about Wales.
"I do hope I get a shout from Wales at some point, but it has not happened for a while and I am not expecting it. If it does happen, great, if not ...."
Hook, who made his Wales debut almost nine years ago and has featured in two World Cup campaigns, is philosophical about the current state of play.
"Rob Howley (Wales assistant coach) spoke to me last autumn about straightening up and things like that, so I am trying to bring that into my game," Hook added.
"But other than that, I am trying to focus on what I have got to do here (at Gloucester), rather than what they want me to do.
"Wales play direct, and I would like to think I could fit into that if needed. I am more of a heads-up player, but I can stick to a structure if needed.
"In the past, you think a lot about the World Cup as it comes up, but not being in the squad has helped me take my focus off it and I am just enjoying my time with Gloucester and not thinking about Wales, in a way.
"I have taken the pressure off myself. I am not expecting anything to happen, and if it did, it would be a bonus.
"It is the first time in my career that has happened, which is frustrating because you want to be in there, but you get over it and focus on what you have to do. At 29, I should be in my prime, but that is the way it goes."
