Former Wales captain Matthew Rees will come out of retirement for James Hook’s one-off career-celebrating match, which takes place at Neath in June.
The likes of Shane Williams, Mike Phillips, Jonathan Thomas, Colin Charvis, Aled Brew, Nick Williams and Ma’ama Molitika have already been confirmed for James Hook’s testimonial match. A James Hook Select XV will take on a Classic Lions XV at Gnoll on June 10 in a match that will give fans the chance to watch a number of Welsh greats who have retired in recent years.
Rees will be among them, along with the hooker widely known as ‘Smiler’ with Hook’s squad, which will be packed with players who played for Wales under Warren Gatland.
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The No.2 to 60 caps put aside his playing shoes three years ago, ending a 19-year stint in the professional game. Starting with Pontypridd, he then played for Celtic Warriors before scoring 182 appearances for the Scarlets before a six-year stint at Arms Park with the then Cardiff Blues. Along the way, he became one of Welsh rugby’s most respected rowers.
Certainly, in any argument over the best Welsh No.2s of the century to date, Rees should feature in the discussion alongside Ken Owens, Huw Bennett and Richard Hibbard.
Gatland installed him as Wales captain in memorable circumstances, with the New Zealander dramatically announcing he would be heading for the game against New Zealand in 2010 after stripping Ryan Jones of the armband after a draw with Fiji. As a national skipper, Rees played some of his best rugby.
He made history with Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones in 2009 as part of the all-Welsh front line who represented the Lions in a Test against South Africa. Rees would feature in all three Tests in one of the deadliest series in rugby history.
During his career, there have been many injuries including neck and knee problems while he faced an altogether tougher fight after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. The Tonyrefail product fought the disease with typical bravery, returning to rugby after less than six months on the sidelines.
When he finished playing, Cardiff hailed the 2008 and 2012 Grand Slams as a warrior and a true champion. No one disputed these comments about the man who is now a player coach.
Hook’s testimony is a chance for him to say goodbye properly after being denied such an opportunity when he announced his retirement as a player during the Covid pandemic. No one is saying the organizers aren’t throwing the paint bucket on this one in an attempt to do justice to former Neath, Ospreys, Perpignan and Gloucester players, with official merchandise even available for the game.
“We wanted to do this right for James,” said Matt Church, who organizes the event. “He’s a Welsh rugby legend.”
Tickets are available online only and can be purchased at jameshooktestimonal.com and neathrfc.com
