James Hook is expecting David Humphreys to inspire Gloucester
The former Ireland fly-half’s move from Ulster to Kingsholm was confirmed soon after Hook agreed to move to the Aviva Premiership club from Perpignan.
Humphreys has moved quickly to set up his coaching staff, recruiting Laurie Fisher from the Brumbies as head coach, while also bringing in Nick Walshe and John Muggleton to handle attack and defence respectively.
Hook, 29, has been impressed by the speed with which Humphreys has settled in to his new role, and expects him to have a big impact.
“I had a text when I was with Wales in South Africa to say he’d joined,” said Hook. “As a player his record spoke for itself and then you see what a fantastic job he’s done at Ulster. The work he put in there was incredible, it’s a really exciting appointment.
“I haven’t met him but everything I’ve heard from other people has been outstanding and it can only be good for the club. He had Ulster going stride for stride with Leinster and Munster. You only have to look at them in the Heineken Cup to see how good he is because a lot of that is down to David.
“I’m really excited to be working with him. There’s no reason he can’t bring that sort of success to Gloucester. He’s ambitious, he wanted to move to the Premiership and I’m sure everyone at Gloucester is looking forward to working with him.”
Hook revealed the appointment has also won the approval of other member of his family. “David was a pretty special player,” he said. “I know my grandfather liked him as a player so I’m sure it has his seal of approval!”
ANDREW GWILYM
