Haskell: playing for England is top priority

Top priority: Haskell wearing the Red Rose jersey

England flanker James Haskell insists that playing for England tops his list of priorities as he decides where to hang his hat next season.

Out of contract with Stade Francais this summer, but with a one-year option to stay, the 26-year-old said: “I am exploring different options in France and England and I’ll decide in the next two weeks. There are some great teams in the Premiership and French Club dominate European rugby.”

“Playing for England remain my most important criteria, but I believe if I play at the best club level I can still be picked and perform well for England.

“I manage to be man of the match against Scotland and my Stade team-mate Tom Palmer did the same against France. It makes no difference whether you play in France or England.”

Haskell also shrugged off reports from the Daily Mail about a possible move to the New South Wales Waratahs in Super 15.

“I could also go to play in Japan. No seriously, it is news to me. I have always said playing for England is my priority and moving to Australia wouldn’t be the best idea for that.

“The Waratahs are an amazing club just like the Reds or the Crusaders. The level of the Super 15 is very good but I’m not thinking about a move down there right now.

Still in pink in 2012?

“Everyone tells you what to do – but it will be my choice. I was told recently that I was going to Toulouse next year even if I never heard of it myself!

“I won’t be dictated to about where to go. I will make my own mind once I know all the circumstances.”

There has been talk of Haskell returning to Wasps with new head coach Lee Holden keep to bolster his English contingent.

Haskell said: “It is easy to say that you want to come back to England but a club has to want you. Some teams want a fly-half first and then see for the rest. Plus the salary cap in England is hard to work with.

“Some other teams want to pay you only after the World Cup. It is very difficult to be out of contract on a World Cup year.”

Haskell admits that the RFU policy over picking English-based players is a “worry” but added:

“People told me I wouldn’t be picked if I left Wasps but I kept working hard and it paid off. England called me again.

Teenage dream: Debut
for Wasps at 18

“I came through the ranks at Wasps but I didn’t play as well as I should have for them and for England so the move was a good idea and I am very happy about it.

“I am playing the best rugby of my life. There is a lot of competition for the back row at Stade.

“Playing with these talented players helped me grow up on and off the field. It is the best two years of my life.”

Haskell knows he faces fierce competition for a back row spot with England as the World Cup near.

“I have played all the games during the Six Nations but you can never say the England shirt is yours.

“You have to be confident to be a professional rugby player and believe you should start every game. I believe I should start for England but the competition is so strong you have to keep working hard.

“Lewis Moody is the captain, Tom Croft is a Lion, Tom Wood played brilliantly during the 6 Nations and you also have Hendre Fourie, Thomas Wladrom and Nick Easter in the mix. There is a lot of depth in the back row.

“I will play wherever Martin Johnson want be to play.

“Some people believe that I would be better on the bench due to my versatility but I don’t want to be a super sub.”