Haskell's Miss World answers

James Haskell is one of the world’s outstanding back-row prospects. He’s just 23 and has signed a deal that will take him to Stade Francais in time for next season.

In explaining his decision, Haskell offers predictable platitudes such as, his new club will “offer him the chance to learn from some of the best back-row players in the world”; allow him to “move out of his comfort zone”; “experience a different culture”, and “learn a different language”. The young Wasp also says that his top priority in shaping his contract was ensuring that his move to the French Top 14 won’t disadvantage his prospects of playing for England. He even claims that money “was the last consideration”.

All the stuff about culture and language could just have easily spilled out of the mouth of a Miss World contestant while I am a little suspicious about the claim that money was little more than an after-thought. It has been speculated that Haskell will treble his salary.

Naturally enough, Haskell probably feels a little guilty about turning his back on the club that has played such a key role in developing him – not to mention the fact that two of the people he will have irked most, Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan and head coach Shaun Edwards, will resolve in the next few weeks who they want to take on the Lions tour to South Africa in the summer. Haskell hopes to be in the squad.

Despite all of the above, though, it would be churlish to do anything other than wish Haskell well in his move across La Manche. Wouldn’t you do the same?