The fallout from a potentially defining day in English rugby will continue to spawn debate, argument and calls for a financial assessment of the game this side of the Channel for a while yet.
The news of the imminent departures from Wasps of Riki Flutey and Tom Palmer for France in the summer, but most pertinently that of James Haskell, leaves English rugby wondering if this is the start of an exodus of young talent that could have an immeasurable impact on the national side’s dynamic and direction, as well as on the state of the domestic game.
Talk of the lure of a big pay-day is already dominating responses to the trio’s scheduled exits, and while we will never know the priority of the considerations taken into account by the players in their decisions to accept their respective offers it is hard to ignore the issue of cash given the fact that the French Top 14 does not have a salary cap imposed upon it.
Wasps were quick to voice their concern, via executive chairman Mark Rigby, at the lack of financial regulation that has led to their stars being enticed away, and as they continue to work hard at persuading Danny Cipriani to put pen to paper on a new deal the club can only wonder just what shape their side will take next season.
The ramifications for the England national team is a whole separate issue, but while touching on that aspect it is worth noting the RFU deemed it necessary to issue a statement on Tuesday – in response to Wasps’ announcement – explaining they will be discussing the effects of the moves on the club game within the next fortnight.
For a young player like Haskell it is understandable why he would want to sample what a prestigious league such as the French one has to offer in terms of challenges, but why not wait until later in his career to do so? Haskell’s current team-mate at Wasps, Serge Betsen, spent an admittedly unusual but ultimately legendary status securing 17-year stint at Biarritz before finally opting to explore another league.
Betsen is an exception of course, but his dedication to the Basque outfit shows a player can have an honour-laden time at a club, enjoying the highs of European and domestic rugby before taking on a new challenge.
Nobody expects Haskell to stay at Wasps for anywhere near as long as Betsen spent at Biarritz, but why not build up your career a little longer before making such a move?
Andy Goode only left Leicester for Brive – whom Flutey will join him at – at the age of 28, having experienced plenty at Welford Road. His recall to the England squad for the current Six Nations shows one can still represent at international level despite plying one’s trade abroad.
Flutey and Palmer, both 29, are at what could be considered the ideal age to make the move in the same vein as Goode, but at 23 it seems like such an early stage for Haskell to take the step abroad.
Haskell is an established player, of that there is no doubt, and in Stade Francais he has chosen a club that can provide him with a platform upon which to continue his development, and I am certain he will excel in Paris and enjoy good times in a passionate and rugby-drenched atmosphere.
I just cannot help but feel he has made the move a little too prematurely though, and hope he is not followed out of the door by Cipriani, a player I believe desperately needs more time under the tutelage of Ian McGeechan and Shaun Edwards before he can even contemplate such avenues.