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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Mark Orders

James Hook's little boy smashing over conversions just like his dad is a thing of beauty

Perhaps a few people thought there was something vaguely familiar about the outside half playing for Mumbles U12s against Pontardawe U12s in the Ospreys Cup semi-final at Trebanos on Sunday.

He scored a try and slotted four out of five conversions as his team won 33-0.

The goalkicking style provided a few clues — a few steps back, upright stance, slightly around the corner, a good connection and a nice follow through. The only things that weren’t there were the blade of grass held in the air to test the wind and the legs placed slightly apart just before the run-up.

Read more : New World Rugby rankings table sees Wales slump to third tier and England miles off top four

But, still, Harrison Hook wouldn’t want to be a mere retread.

As long as it works for him, that’s the main thing.

Dad James looked on from the sidelines, enjoying his son’s performance.

“He’s a good kid who just loves his sport,” said James. “He plays football as well as rugby and can’t get enough of either of them.

“I guess he’s no different from a lot of youngsters his age in that respect.

“He’s full of energy.”

Hook senior, of course, was a prolific points-gatherer on a rugby pitch but also a free-spirit in general play, an adventurer blessed with flair. Crowds enjoyed watching him because of his talent and unpredictability, but he also put in the hours developing his skills.

(WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

It isn't a great surprise to learn, then, to learn that Harrison often works at his goal-kicking under Dad's watchful eye. Hook the elder helps to coach the Mumbles U12s, along with another dad Andrew Lewis, while James’ ex-Wales and Ospreys team-mate Ryan Jones also does his bit.

For the avoidance of doubt, that’s a fair bit of rugby knowledge on offer to pre-teens on the western edge of Swansea Bay.

“We all enjoy it,” said Hook.

“Ryan coaches a bit as well because his boy Jacob plays.

“It’s a bit of fun and if we can help the kids, brilliant. The main thing is they get something out of it.”

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