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Haskell 'will be hurting' - Moody
By Peter Hanson
James Haskell will be itching to prove a point after learning of his release from Wasps and will have plenty of suitors, according to former England team-mate Lewis Moody.
Powerhouse back-rower Haskell, who has 75 England caps, rose through the ranks at Wasps and returned to the club in 2013 having enjoyed spells at Stade Francais, Ricoh Black Rams and Highlanders in between.
This week, the Premiership outfit confirmed that Haskell's contract, which runs out at the end of the season, will not be renewed, leaving the 32-year-old at a crossroads in his career.
Haskell is said to be keen to remain in England with next year's Rugby World Cup in his sights and described himself as "disappointed and sad" at his release.
World Cup winner Moody has little doubt that someone will take a punt on Haskell.
"James' form over the last few years shows he's capable of still delivering high-quality rugby," Moody, a Land Rover ambassador, told Omnisport.
"He'll be hurting that he's not part of the England set-up at the minute, and if the rumours are true that it's Wasps that let him go rather than being his choice, then he'll be hurting as well and wanting to prove them wrong and show there's still life in those old legs yet.
"Sadly, it's that time in any sportsman's career that you realise the end is coming, but you want it to be on your terms and I hope James has the opportunity to decide that on his terms.
"I'm sure we'll be seeing a move to another club, whether that be foreign fields or teams in the Premiership who will want his services."
Lewis Moody is a Land Rover ambassador. Land Rover has a heritage in rugby at all levels; from grassroots to elite, supporting the game for two decades. @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal
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Latest Comments
Yet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
Go to commentsIt's the same criticism of Dmac and Mo'unga as well. Sadly the way the game has been heading recently it's the only way to break down a defence, and a player of Lawrences nature would have a very limited chance at doing that because he's too one dimensional.
Noah Lolesio is your sort of player and that worked OK, but only because his team is far more creative than Englands for example. The highly organized Irish attack was also another that didn't require much from the 10, but that is now changing with Prendergast who is in that league mold like the most new age 10's.
So it is in fact your two which would require even more change to make the most of than Marcus Smith.
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