Ex-Wales captain Matthew Rees will come out of retirement for the one-off match to celebrate James Hook's career, which is taking place in Neath in June.
The likes of Shane Williams, Mike Phillips, Jonathan Thomas, Colin Charvis, Aled Brew, Nick Williams and Ma’ama Molitika are already confirmed for the James Hook testimonial match. A James Hook Select XV will take on a Classic Lions XV at The Gnoll on June 10 in a game which will give supporters the chance to watch a number of Welsh greats who have retired in recent years.
Rees will be among them, with the hooker widely known as ‘Smiler’ featuring for Hook’s side, which will be packed with players who starred for Wales under Warren Gatland.
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The 60-cap No. 2 set aside his playing boots three years ago, ending a 19-year stint in the professional game. Starting with Pontypridd, he went on to feature for Celtic Warriors before banging in 182 appearances for the Scarlets ahead of a six-year stint at the Arms Park with the then Cardiff Blues. Along the way he became known as one of Welsh rugby’s most-respected front rowers.
Certainly, in any argument about the best Welsh No. 2s of the century so far, Rees would have to feature in the discussion along with the likes of Ken Owens, Huw Bennett and Richard Hibbard.
Gatland installed him as Wales captain in memorable circumstances, with the New Zealander dramatically making the announcement he would wear lead for the game with New Zealand in 2010 after stripping Ryan Jones of the armband after a draw with Fiji. As national skipper, Rees went on to play some of his best rugby.
He had created history with Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones in 2009 as part of the all-Welsh front row which represented the Lions in a Test against South Africa. Rees would feature in all three Tests in one of the most bruising series in rugby history.
During his career, there were plenty of injuries, including neck and knee problems, while he faced an altogether more difficult struggle after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. The Tonyrefail product battled the illness with typical bravery, returning to rugby after less than six months on the sidelines.
When he finished playing, Cardiff hailed the Grand Slammer from 2008 and 2012 as a warrior and a true champion. No-one disputed those words about the man who is nowadays a player manager.
Hook's testimonial is a chance for him to properly say goodbye after he was denied such an opportunity when he announced his retirement as a player during the Covid pandemic. No one say organisers are not throwing the paint pot at this one in an attempt to do the ex-Neath, Ospreys, Perpignan and Gloucester player justice, with official merchandise even available for the game.
"We wanted to do this properly for James," said Matt Church, who is arranging the event. "He's a Welsh rugby legend."
Tickets are available online only and can be purchased at jameshooktestimonal.com and neathrfc.com
