Welsh rugby's most versatile player is also being considered for full-back duties after his stand-out displays during the autumn internationals.
Hook's route to his favoured fly-half spot has seemingly been sealed off by the twin obstacles of Stephen Jones and Dan Biggar, while Wales plan to look at Lions man-of-the-series Jamie Roberts as a No. 12 after the failed experiment of using him as an outside centre against Australia in November.
Lee Byrne's return to fitness is likely to mean the full-back gig is out of reach for Hook as well, though he played so well there for Wales before Christmas that they haven't completely ruled out the possibility of the 24-year-old staying put.
National attack coach Rob Howley said: "Nothing definite has been decided on James, who, as we all know, has the talent to play in a number of positions.
"At this point we are considering him as a player in our squad, maybe as a 15 or a 13. It depends on the next two weeks and the fitness of players and form as well.
"I don't think James would have a problem playing at 13. You could play the two centres left and right — it needn't be an issue."
Howley continued: "Outside centre is potentially a position that we might have to think long and hard about over the coming weeks.
"Tom Shanklin has been a reliable option for us there, but he picked up a bump over Christmas.
"James hasn't played much for the Ospreys of late.
"They were going to pick him at 10 for the Ulster game last Friday, but the weather intervened.
"He did well for them at 12 in the autumn and stood out for us at full-back in the pre-Christmas Tests.
"What we know about him is that he is a particularly talented player."
Wales are also conscious that Hook offers a creative dimension they can ill-afford to do without, having managed only four tries throughout their entire autumn campaign, with three of those being opportunist efforts.
There is a school of thought that Hook's attacking gifts were wasted at full-back, but the national management were particularly impressed with his kicking game.
The ex-Neath man hasn't started for the Ospreys since returning to them at the end of November, meaning he is short of match fitness and so isn't a guaranteed starter in the Heineken Cup against Clermont Auvergne at Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday.
Rob Howley is a Heineken ambassador. Heineken are proud to be celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Heineken Cup, the best club rugby competition in the world. www.heinekenrugby.co.uk
