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James Hook, rugby player

James Hook. Copyright: Huw Evans Picture Agency

The Welsh rugby outside half, James Hook, says "Just go out and enjoy your rugby."

RYG: James, you've got the expectations of a nation on your shoulders, how do you handle that pressure?

James Hook: I don't really think of it like that to be honest. I just get on with it really. Number 10's a big position in Wales but it's something I enjoy. It's not a burden to me in any way.

RYG: How do you prepare for a big game - how do you psych yourself up?

Profile

Name:
James Hook

Born:
27 June 1985

From:
Port Talbot, Wales

Game:
Rugby

Position:
Outside half

Internationals:
Wales

Club:
Ospreys

JH: I think you naturally get psyched up in the morning before a big game. I just listen to a bit of dance music and try to relax.

RYG: How much do you want to play number 10?

JH: I want to play every game for my country. If it's 10 or 12, as long as I'm playing I don't really care. It'd be really nice to play 10 but that's up to the coach.

RYG: What's the key to being a successful team?

JH: We need to get good ball up front to start with. Wales have showed in previous games that, if we get good ball up front, we can blow teams away. If we can do that in future we stand a very good chance of beating anyone.

RYG: What advice would you give to young players out there wanting to be the next James Hook?

JH: Just go out there and enjoy your rugby. If you've got any kind of ability then go for it, and try to succeed.


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