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Joe Marler leads the reaction to James Haskell's quirky sports career change
Recently retired England international James Haskell has made a shocking announcement after signing a deal with Mixed Martial Arts promotion Bellator to fight in their heavyweight division.
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Whether it be DJ-ing or publishing various books, the 77-cap England flanker has always sought to add more strings to his bow and this looks to be his next step.
This may seem like a strange move for the 34-year-old, but he has spoken in the past how he has tried grappling to help him with his rugby and England’s judo sessions have been well documented.
Standing at 6ft 4ins and weighing just short of 19 stone, he will be a physically imposing presence at the very least.
This decision from the ex-Wasps and Northampton Saints star has evoked an interesting reaction from his former team-mates and opponents on social media, as well as those from outside the rugby world.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1dmUjdob0i/
Joe Marler was quick to comment on Twitter, saying: “If you ever need a sparring partner before the big debut I’ll be happy to help.” He shared a video of a famous scuffle the two players once got in.
There have also been floods of comments on Instagram, as many players support a move like this from one of the biggest characters in rugby. This is what has been said:
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https://www.instagram.com/p/B1dlf7OHz-n/?utm_source=ig_web_options_share_sheet
Good luck old maaate @jameshaskell – If you ever need a sparring partner before the big debut I’ll be happy to help ❤️ https://t.co/cWwpWFnfU4 @BellatorMMA
— Joe Marler (@JoeMarler) August 22, 2019
Good luck buddy and stay safe 👊🏽
— Anthony Ogogo (@AnthonyOgogo) August 22, 2019
Couldn’t you just do ice skating or strictly like rest of us? #barmy @dancingonice @bbcstrictly
— Kyran Bracken (@KyranBracken) August 22, 2019
https://twitter.com/SimonMcIntyre3/status/1164491034895802368?s=20
Haskell will not be the first rugby player to try their hand at combat sports, as in recent years Sonny Bill Williams held the New Zealand heavyweight championship in boxing, while his former All Blacks team-mate Liam Messam and Wallaby Quade Cooper have also had professional boxing bouts.
However, Haskell is the most high-profile English player to make the move to combat sports, and certainly to MMA, as this could be a great move for both sports.
While Haskell may not necessarily have youth on his side, he was renowned throughout his career for his work ethic, which will put him in good stead in his new career.
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Comments on RugbyPass
It was a let’s-see-what-you're-made-of type of a game. The Bulls do look good when the opposition allows them to, but Munster shut them down, and they could not find a way through. Jake should be very worried about their chances in the competition.
2 Go to commentsHats off to Fabian for a very impressive journey to date. Is it as ‘uniquely unlikely’ as Rugby Pass suggests, given Anton Segner’s journey at the Blues?
1 Go to commentsSad that this was not confirmed. When administrators talk about expanding the game they evidently don’t include pathways to the top tier of rugby for teams outside of the old boys club. Rugby deserves better, and certainly Georgia does.
1 Go to commentsLions might take him on if they move on Van Rooyen but I doubt he will want to go back, might consider it a step backwards for himself. Sharks would take him on but if Plumtree goes on to win the challenge cup they will keep him on. Also sharks showing some promising signs recently. Stormers and Bulls are stable and Springboks are already filled up. Quality coach though, interesting to see where he ends up
1 Go to commentsAnd the person responsible for creating a culture of accountability is?
2 Go to commentsMore useless words from Ben Smith -Please get another team to write about. SA really dont need your input, it suck anyway.
264 Go to commentsThis disgraceful episode must result in management and coach team sackings. A new manager with worse results than previous and the coaching staff need to coached. Awful massacre led by donkeys.
1 Go to commentsInteresting article with one glaring mistake. This sentence: “And between the top four nations right now, Ireland, France, South Africa, and New Zealand…” should read: And between the top four nations right now, South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand and France…”. Get it right wistful thinkers, its not that hard.
23 Go to commentsHow did Penny get the gig anyway?
2 Go to commentsNice write up Nick and I would have agreed a week ago. However as you would know Cale & co got absolutely monstered by the Blues back row of Sotutu, Ioane and Papaliti and not all of these 3 are guaranteed a start in the Black jumper. He may need to put some kgs before stepping up, Spring tour? After the week end Joe will be a bit more restless. Will need to pick a mobile tough pack for Wales and hope England does the right thing and bashes the ABs. I like your last paragraph but I would bring Swinton, Hannigan into the 6 role and Bobby V to 8
21 Go to commentsThe Crusaders can still get in to the Play Off’s. The imminent return of outstanding captain Scott Barrett and his All Black team mate Codie Taylor will be a big boost.There are others like Tamaiti Williams too. Two home games coming up. Fellow Crusader fans get there and support these guys. I will be.
1 Go to commentsCant get more Wellington than Proctor.
2 Go to commentsWhy not let the media decide. Like how they choose the head coach. Like most of us we entrust the rugby system to choose. A rugby team includes the coaches. It's collective.
13 Go to commentsHi NIck, I have been very impressed with him and he seems a smart player who can see opportunities which Bobby V _(who must be an international 6_) doesn’t see or have the speed to take advantage of. If he continues to improve and puts on 5kgs then he could be a great 8. He is a bit taller than Keiran Reid at 1.93m and 111 kgs, so his skill set fits his body size and who knows where it will lead. I hope the spate of Achilles tendon issues have been dealt with by the S&C people. It’s been a very long time since Mark Loane and Kefu stood out at 8. The question is will we be able to hold onto him, if he does make it he will be pretty hot property. I disagree with the idea of letting them go to the Northern Hemisphere and then bring them back.
21 Go to commentsBilly Fulton 🤣🤣🤣🤣 garrrmon not even close
13 Go to commentsDoes the AI take into account refs? hahaha Seriously why not have two on field refs to avoid bias?
23 Go to commentsVern challenging this Blues side might be the edge they need to fulfill their potential. Convincing results from strong D and strong carries are hard to argue against.
1 Go to commentsLove seems to add a strong back field defense with speed to close the gap and tackle to his ability to attack, kick and pass (an accurate long pass). This sets him an edge over some of the other names - JRK in particular. Has to be said that Jordan and Stevenson have also been exposed defensively while Love has yet to face test match intensity. Spoilt for choice.
1 Go to commentsHe’s strung together a few strong seasons, I’d like to see him in the ABs and build some depth along with Reiko and ALB. Levi Aumua hasn’t taken the step we hoped to see but time yet.
2 Go to commentsWhere has our good friend Pecos gone!? Similar place to the Crusaders D, the abyss.
4 Go to comments