1
Third club now in the frame to win James Haskell signature - reports
By Ian Cameron
A new club is now in the frame to win the signature of soon to be ex-Wasps backrow James Haskell.
Speculation continues to mount over his next destination after he confirmed earlier this month that he would be leaving Wasps.
Haskell had been heavily linked to Bristol who are likley to be promoted back into the Premiership next season and Northampton Saints, who are in the market for a large backrower after losing the services of Louis Picamoles in 2017.
However reports are that the 6'4, 114kg looseforward is now in 'advanced stages' of talks with Worcester Warriors.
The fact that Worcester are looking to replace Scottish backrow David Denton, who will move to Leicester next season, has added to the credibility of the claim.
Both the Rugby Paper and the Telegraph are now reporting that the struggling Warriors are now front-runners for his signature.
Speaking on the Rugby Pod Facebook live, former England and Wasps 10 Andy Goode - a friend of Haskell's, said that that talks between Haskell and the club were in "advanced stages".
Haskell has specified that he wants to remain eligible to play for England and will stay in the Premiership even if it means a paycut as a result.
In an interview with the Guardian, Haskell spoke of the chance to appear in the 2019 Rugby World Cup: "It would essentially be a dream come true.
"It’s a massive challenge but there would be a big pot of gold at the end of that rainbow. My priority is to stay in the Premiership. I’m fully aware if I go outside of that, then it’s game over. They are not going to make a dispensation for me, sadly.”
Haskell has made 75 appearances for England as well as playing for the British Lions and is hanging on as a marginal member of England's Six Nations squad, having been called back into the squad after suspension.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Leinster player ratings vs Munster | 2024/25 URC
3
Jamal Ford-Robinson: 'In the gym we’re not lifting as frequently'
4
Nemani Nadolo: 'Now I cut grass, do gardens, cut hedges for a living'
5
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.
Go to comments