The latest James Haskell club transfer rumour truly stretches credibility

With Wasps apparently not interested or willing to extend James Haskell’s stay at the club, it’s no surprise that the England flanker has been linked with numerous clubs both within the Premiership and further afield.

Plausible rumours have linked the 6’3, 114kg backrow with a move to Bristol, Gloucester and Northampton Saints.

Gloucester will lose Ross Moriarty to Dragons, while despite the signing of Heinrich Brussow, Saints have yet to fill the physical void left by Louis Picamoles’ departure to Montpellier. Bristol meanwhile are automatically linked to pretty much any professional rugby player coming off contract or looking to renew a contract.

However, the most recent rumour appears the most far-fetched – with one social media account linking the England star to Pro14 side Glasgow Warriors.

It doesn’t sound like a natural fit for either party, but it hasn’t stopped many speculating.

https://twitter.com/RugbyInsideLine/status/953597663370412032

Over Christmas Haskell spoke to Will Kelleher of the Daily Mail about the lack of movement over a new contract from Wasps, where he has made 194 appearances over the last decade.

‘I would like to say there is an exciting raft of offers,’ he said. ‘There is absolutely nothing going on.

‘I don’t know whether I should be worried or not worried. Some teams like to sign people early doors, some don’t. Maybe they don’t want me — I don’t know what I’ll do.’

‘Having been around the world I would prefer to stay in the UK. Wasps would be my first choice, but if there is no interest here then you have to do what you have to do. It is always the way.

‘The most important thing would be England. If you made that decision to go abroad then you firmly slam the door on that,” which suggest a Pro14 club is likely not a likely destination.

Haskell has bigger fish to fry. The Wasps flanker was issued with a red card during his club’s Champions Cup, Round 5 match against Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday. He was sent off by Romain Poite, for tackling the Harlequins centre, Jamie Roberts, dangerously in the 76th minute.

Haskell apologised for the red card on Twitter.

Whats done is done, but just want to publicly apologise to @Jamiehuwroberts. Never my intention to hurt another player. Got my height wrong, paid the price, which happens. You know me, never one to do anything subtly. Credit to @Harlequins and apologies to @WaspsRugby fans

— James Haskell (@jameshaskell) January 13, 2018

Roberts responded in kind, writing:

“Hope your shoulder is ok after colliding with this jaw (James Haskell) – Good man for apologizing …just bend those arthritic knees next time pal.”

Thanks for the messages guys. Head's ok. Enjoyed that win with this resilient group of @Harlequins lads.

Hope your shoulder is ok after colliding with this jaw @jameshaskell – Good man for apologizing 👍🏼….just bend those arthritic knees next time pal 😉

— Jamie Roberts (@Jamiehuwroberts) January 13, 2018

You may also enjoy: