James Hook insists he made the right decision moving to France even though it may threaten his international future.
The 26-year-old made his first return to Wales this week as new club Perpignan went down 23-13 to the Newport Gwent Dragons in the Amlin Cup.
And having struggled to find his best form on Wales’ run to the World Cup semi-finals, Hook believes the move is the perfect way for him to turn things around ahead of the 2012 RBS 6 Nations.
“For me, personally going over there [to France] after the World Cup was the best thing,” said Hook.
“I wasn’t myself out there, but I’m in a better frame of mind now.
“I’m happy playing out in France. I’m enjoying it.”
Hook will not be available for Wales when they take on Australia in next month’s Millennium Stadium clash as the game falls outside the IRB Test window.
And while Hook admits he would have loved to play one last game with Shane Williams, he was left with no choice but to stick with Perpignan.
He added: “I was away for a long time at the World Cup and I missed a lot of games.
“And they pay my wages now and it’s not an IRB fixture so a lot of French based and English boys will probably suffer.
“It’s in my contract that I get released for IRB games if selected and fit.
“The biggest disappointment is that I have played my last game with Shane.
“He’s a good friend of mine. It would have been a lovely occasion. He’s a cracking player and a cracking bloke.
“He has been a great servant to Wales and I’m sure he’ll have a great send-off.”
