Bill Hook

Photo:Bill Hook England full back

Bill Hook England full back

Gloucester full back at 17; England International
By John Theyers

William G “Bill” Hook made his debut for Gloucester in 1938 aged just 17 and while still at Sir Thomas Rich’s School. He played occasionally for two seasons as a schoolboy but only established himself as the regular full back at the start of the 1946-47 season after Harold Boughton’s retirement. He went on to make 139 appearances for the club, before retiring in 1952.

In 1947-48 he made his debut for Gloucestershire and became first choice full back for club and county until his retirement in 1952, playing in the 1948-49 County Championship Final.  

Bill played in all three England trials in 1948-49 but missed selection. The following season he was selected for the final trial but fractured a shoulder blade and was unable to play. Finally in March 1951 the unlucky Hook gained England selection against Scotland and played twice more for England in January 1952 against the touring Springboks and Wales.  

Throughout his career Bill Hook was noted for the length of his kicking and his coolness under pressure.

This page was added by John Theyers on 23/08/2009.

Comments about this page

If anyone else wonders about this - take a listen to Part 4 of our interview with Bill.

By Dick Williams
On 17/10/2010

As "the Tommies" was a soccer-playing school until 1946, I have often wondered how and where Bill Hook gained the skill and experience to make his debut for Glaws in 1938.

By Mike Cooke
On 17/10/2010

Mike's query has been answered via e-mail.

By Dick Williams
On 02/04/2010

Harold, my grandad was Jack Harris, who owned the sports shop on the Bristol Road, just past the old Morelands Match Factory. I believe that Billy Hook was a relative, but any help you can provide in this respect, would be appreciated. Regards. Mike65nK Tanner.

By Mike Tanner
On 20/03/2010

Hook was very left footed but developed a remarkable touch kick on his 'wrong' touch line. He would kick long slightly in-field and as the pace went from the ball, it would fade at right angles into touch. Dennis Ibbotson told me that, when young, Hook spent hours by himself on Plock Court perfecting it. I recall that he was always helpful in doing what he could for you at his shop if you were not too well off!

By Harold Francis
On 22/12/2009

Add a comment about this page