The legendary former Wales and British & Irish Lions internationals will team up once again with their former Ospreys teammate Hook. Both Williams and Hook won four Six Nations Grand Slams between them, with Williams having been named World Player of the Year in 2008.
The game between a James Hook Select XV and a Classic Lions XV will take place at the Gnoll in Neath on Friday, June 10. Along with Williams and Hook former Wales back-row forwards Colin Charvis, and Jonathan Thomas have agreed to play, along with former Dragons wing Aled Brew.
Former Cardiff back-rowers Maama Molitika, and Nick Williams will also take the field. Scarlets and Wales hooker Ken Owens, Richard Hibbard, Paul James, and Sean Holley are set to be involved on the coaching front.
“It was sad in a way that James’ career should finish during lockdown because there was no chance for supporters to show their appreciation after all he had done as a player,” said Matt Church, chief executive of Cambria Sports Group, who own Neath RFC and Classic Lions.
“He was hugely popular not only because he was a free spirit who played the game as he saw it, but also because he’s a nice guy as well, someone who always gives his time to help others and chat with supporters. Having Shane and Mike to figure in his testimonial is brilliant. The pair are all-time greats of Welsh rugby and didn’t have to be asked twice about supporting James.
“Also, staging the match at The Gnoll seems right as James played his first senior game there and also his last, for Ospreys against Leinster before we were all locked down. He didn’t know at the time it would be his final game for the Ospreys, but that’s how it turned out.
Tickets can be purchased from jameshooktestimonal.com and neathrfc.com.
