Ace Hook a target for French big guns.

Byline: rob GREFFITHS

RUGBY UNION FRENCH rugby's big guns are getting ready to make an audacious bid to rescue James Hook from his Ospreys frustration.

The prodigiously talented outside-half was the No 1 target of cash-laden Toulon - ahead of Jonny Wilkinson.

But, after being rebuffed by the Ospreys, Toulon coach Philippe Saint-Andre turned his attention to enticing 2003 England World Cup final idol Wilkinson to the south of France.

Sources the other side of the English channel have confirmed Wales' 2008 Grand Slam orchestrator Hook is still very much on the radar of Toulon.

French Championship runners-up Clermont Auvergne and record Heineken Cup winners Toulouse are also monitoring Hook's development with the Ospreys.

British Lion Hook went public with his current turmoil at the weekend and has revealed he wants to be considered solely as a No 10 for the Ospreys and Wales.

His apparent discontent at the possibility of playing in other positions has put power-brokers in France on red alert.

Promising youngster Dan Biggar has made no secret of his ambition to be first-choice outside-half at the Liberty Stadium.

While Hook has been maligned by some pundits and rugby followers in Wales after the Ospreys' dismal start to the Magners League, he hasn't been helped by the lack of go-forward coming from the pack.

Question marks appear to remain about Hook's ability in his homeland, but the French believe he could be one of the biggest draws in world rugby and a crowd-puller.

Former Sale boss Saint-Andre is a huge fan of the 24-year-old and is awaiting developments.

Guy Noves, coach at Toulouse, is also a huge admirer of Hook and is said to be preparing a swoop.

French Championship leaders Clermont have shown previous interest in Hook. Their previous venture into Wales was a success when Stephen Jones was persuaded to join.

CAPTION(S):

Ospreys ace James Hook