England's James Haskell to participate in Super Rugby 15 in 2012 - Rugby News
English flanker, James Haskell, has inked a one-year contract with New Zealander Super Rugby derby, Otago Highlanders, to play the forthcoming season of championship starting next year. Haskell has become fifth overseas player to sign a deal with New Zealander
conferences after Rugby World Cup 2011. New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) confirmed on November 2 that 26-year-old Haskell has put his pen to paper with the Highlanders for 2012. Earlier, Highlanders chief executive, Roger Clark, had denied his inclusion in the
derby.
Super Rugby championship is played among the South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby (SANZAR) domestic teams, which allows the inclusion of overseas players to a certain extent. Many off-shore players have been participating in this format since the
last few years. Danny Cipriani, another English player has participated in Super Rugby 15, during 2011 for Australian franchise Melbourne Rebels.
James Haskell is a seasoned player from England’s national side with 42 test caps. He made his international debut with England in 2007 while playing against Wales. He was given starting role in his very first match of the career on the back rows. Haskell
has also played a fair share of club rugby for various clubs including London Wasps and Stade Francais.
He recently participated in Rugby World Cup 2011, for England and was openly criticised by team manager Martin Johnson for his poor show in global show.
However, Highlanders coach, Jamie Joseph, is excited with Haskell’s deal. He told the reporters that, “It's my job to pick the best players available in the world now, not just Otago.”
Haskell also expressed his excitement about the deal and said that, “I think it will help me in my desire to improve and become a better player for England. The move to New Zealand and playing with and against some of the best players in the world in the
country which holds the World Cup is another important step in that direction. That is the ultimate playing environment.”
Highlanders coach hoped that Haskell’s inclusion in the side will work for them in the forthcoming season.
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