Hook warned about French move

Hook has been replaced in the Ospreys No10 shirt by youngster Dan Biggar this season, with rumours suggesting that the Lions tourist is keen for a move elsewhere in order to return to the fly-half position.

And while Hook has reiterated his desire to fight for his place at the Liberty Stadium, speculation continues to link him with a summer transfer to the Top 14 Champions.

But former Wales and Lions outside-half Bennett, widely regarded as one of the best playmakers ever to grace the game, believes now may not be the right time for Hook to embark on a foreign challenge.

"James has just had a young child. Is it the right time to move to Perpignan?" Bennett told BBC Wales ahead of Perpignan's clash with Treviso and the Ospreys' mouth-watering tie with Leicester Tigers.

"The way of life is outstanding but is it the right time for a young family to move out there?

"I would love James Hook to stay in Wales. That's on a personal view, not looking at James Hook's side of it."

But while Bennett would like to see Hook remain in the Principality, he would understand if the 24-year-old decided to look for challenges at one of the other Welsh regions.

Cardiff Blues have already been told in no uncertain terms that Hook is not for sale, but Bennett admits that a move to the 2009 Heineken Cup semi-finalists could make sense for Hook, for the Blues and for Wales.

Wherever Hook decides to play his rugby in future seasons, Bennett has no doubt that he still has a bright future in the game, whether that be at fly-half, inside centre or even among the outside backs.

"I have watched Cardiff Blues recently and they are no great shakes at No10," added Bennett.

"Would he move to the Blues? Would the Ospreys allow him to move to the Blues? They would be loathe to lose him.

"It's very difficult for James Hook because Biggar, at the moment, and this is coming from the Ospreys staff, controls the game. He has the confidence and has the ability to read a game.

"James has been excellent for Wales, but when you look back to those thrashings when the Ospreys got murdered in Munster and lost badly to Saracens, people are saying that James isn't controlling games at that level.

"The problem is James has played at No10 for most of his young life and he probably loves playing at No10 - it's the glamour position.

"Now perhaps he has to accept that with Daniel Biggar there for the Ospreys and with Stephen Jones there for Wales that he might have to concentrate on another position.

"Frankly, he is a rare talent. He has got to be in the team somewhere. I'd love to see him around that area of the number 10.

"If he is not playing number 10 I'd love to see him as the creative inside centre which many great New Zealand sides always had."