The man from Tonyrefail won 60 caps for Wales during a hugely successful career which included two Six Nations titles and three test with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa in 2009. Friday night he will run out at Neath’s Gnoll for James Hook’s testimonial match.
“A few months ago Hooky gave me a call and asked whether I’d be interested in playing in his testimonial game. With the pandemic it has been postponed for a couple of years.
“I’d played with Hooky for a number of years at international level with Wales and the Lions. I think a player of his calibre, and what he’s achieved in the game he thoroughly deserves this testimonial game.
“I’m looking forward to running out at the Gnoll on Friday night in front of a big crowd. Rees played with Hook on numerous occasions on the international scene, but at regional level the pair were on opposite sides.
Hook plied his trade for the Ospreys in their “Galacticos” era while Rees captained the Scarlets. And Rees was full of respect for Hook’s ability as a player.
“He was a real talent,” said Rees. “There’s not many players that you could say were comfortable playing 10,12,13, and 15 at test level. James was one of those players, and what he achieved in the game speaks volumes.
“He was a massive attacking threat with ball in hand, while he was a great goal kicker as well. He’s been a credit to Wales, and the teams he’s played for as well.
“You just look at how formidable that Ospreys team he played in was. You had Shane Williams, Lee Byrne, and Mike Phillips.
“He was one of the players you were always mindful of when you came up against him. He was one of best attacking players in world rugby in his day.”
The match will be played between a James Hook Select XV and a Class Lions XV. Former Wales hooker Rees will play for the James Hook Select XV alongside the likes of Mike Phillips, Alan Bateman, Mark Taylor, and Hook himself. England World Cup winning tighthead Phil Vickery, Rees played with on the 2009 Lions tour, will also take the field.
As a player Rees prided himself on his physicality, but there’s one player who he sincerely hopes doesn’t run down his channel on Friday night. “I really don’t want Nick Williams running straight at me,” said Rees when asked about the former Cardiff No 8.
“I had a big chat with big Nick Williams a few weeks ago. He called me and said him and Maama Molitika are going to be playing for the Classic Lions.
“I’ve played with both of those guys, and they were very physical players to say the least. With Phil Vickery putting his boots back on it will be interesting to see how these players go because I think most players who played professional rugby try and keep on top of their fitness when they finish playing.
“It will be interesting to see who has been working hard over the last couple of weeks.” The game will be a meeting between a James Hook Select XV, featuring the 81-cap playmaker, and a Classic Lions XV.
Tickets cost £15 for adults and £7.50 for children under 14 and they are available. Gates at the Gnoll open at 5pm on Friday, with the match kicking off at 7pm.
Tickets are online only and can be purchased at jameshooktestimonal.com and neathrfc.com.
