Hook makes U-turn to become Pooler head coach

PONTYPOOL’S former defence guru Mike Hook has made a sensational return to the club as head coach just days after leaving.

Hook, the brother of Wales international James, left Pontypool Park last Wednesday for personal reasons but will now fill the void left by James Chapron.

He left at the end of last season to concentrate on his role as head of the Dragons’ Academy, leaving Hook, team manager Shaun Rees and development XV head coach Matthew Chapman with the task of building a side for the new campaign.

That task was made all the more difficult when Pontypool lost their High Court case against the WRU over their relegation from the Welsh Premiership.

Hook, 29, resigned last week as club officials looked for a new head coach to take the team into the National Championship, the league now one below the Premiership.

Now in charge, Hook, who has spent four years at Pooler, has named prop-cum-hooker Jamie Juene as his captain with centre Chris Macey installed as vice-captain. Juene takes over the skipper’s armband from Geraint Morris.

After sorting out things in his personal life, Hook is happy to be back and, despite the uncertain financial future of the club, is ready to put together a new-look squad for a crack at the Championship.

He said: “I never really wanted to leave but there were a few things off the field that I felt needed sorting. Things look a bit more settled now and I am delighted to be back.

“This is a great opportunity for both me and the squad. It’s a fresh start and we have a young, hungry team with a few experienced players mixed in.

“Training has been encouraging and there is the chance to build over the next couple of seasons. I am excited by the challenge.”

Negotiations to hold on to the likes of back row forwards Luke Dyckhoff and Mike Barber and talisman prop Nicky Blake are on-going.