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James Haskell

Sam Burgess tears into Haskell after controversial Royal Wedding attendance

By Ben Spratt

19 May 2018

Sam Burgess /Getty

England rugby union international James Haskell was at Saturday’s Royal Wedding to celebrate Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle – and it didn’t go unnoticed.

Haskell’s presence seemed to attract jokes at his and Harry’s expense, not least former team-mate Sam Burgess.

Union flop Burgess didn’t miss the opportunity to tear into the England backrow.

“Did I just see James Haskell at the royal wedding,” Burgess wrote. “That bloke gets where water can’t. Wonder if he and Harry will discuss hair growth products at the after party.”

Did I just see @jameshaskell at the royal wedding. That bloke gets where water can’t. Wonder if he and Harry will discuss hair growth products at the after party ??
— Sam Burgess (@SamBurgess8) May 19, 2018

James Haskell was absent from Wasp’s semi-final defeat to Saracens today, a move which drew some criticism. Wasps have said that this was due to a foot injury sustained at Newcastle, but many suggested he should have been attendance regardless to offer his support.

The self appointed Archbishop of Banterbury James Haskell at a wedding while his team mates get pumped in a semi final.
Priorities, m8 pic.twitter.com/RCko0oFSY9
— Paddy O'Brien (@Paddy__Paddy) May 19, 2018

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said he was okay with his absence: “That was my decision. James has a nasty foot injury and is probably another couple of weeks away from doing anything.

“The Royal Wedding is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I don’t think he’s done anything wrong. He’s supported the players as much as he can and he shouldn’t be criticised too much.”

Haskell was joined by Jonny Wilkinson at the celebrations.

Serena Williams and David Beckham were among a number of other sports stars at the event

The guest list included athletes from the worlds of tennis, football and rugby, with millions watching around the world and spotting their sporting heroes.

And Williams – a friend of the bride – posted on Twitter to mark the day, uploading a series of pictures in her outfit.

“Ready for my friend’s wedding,” she wrote.

Ready for my friend’s wedding. #beingserena @alexisohanian pic.twitter.com/PSIYvpXlaV
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) May 19, 2018

Beckham attended in the hours before former club Manchester United play in the FA Cup final, but not everyone could make it or even get the day off to watch the ceremony, with Eugenie Bouchard sending a snap from courtside as she trained.

“Me trying to figure out how to live stream this royal wedding during practice,” she posted alongside the picture.

Bouchard clearly soon found a television screen, though, as she followed up that post with another: “I’m not crying, everyone’s crying.”

Me trying to figure out how to live stream this royal wedding during practice pic.twitter.com/shEE7Qf5KO
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) May 19, 2018

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