James Haskell was the driving force behind England’s 30-17 win against Wales on Saturday - his two tries inspired Martin Johnson’s side to a Six Nations opening day victory over their old rivals. It’s a clear indicator that players should be encouraged to move abroad to further their careers – both at club and international level.
The benefits of playing in a league such as France’s Top 14 are there for all to see in the case of Haskell, and other like him including Jonny Wilkinson, Steve Thompson and Riki Flutey.
Haskell, 24, moved to Stade Français from London Wasps at the start of the 2009/10 season and has benefitted from playing with some of the best players in the world at the Paris-based club, along with the way the game is played in France and how the standard of living in the country is different.
Haskell ignored Johnson’s warning that English players who move abroad will be risking their international futures and it’s proved a superb decision. International rugby sides must overcome this outdated need to have their entire squads plying their trade in their domestic leagues.
Promising fly-half Danny Cipriani was linked to a move to Australia last week and should he decide that a move to Melbourne would be his preference, rather than staying in the Guinness Premiership, this would effectively bring a halt to his international career – regardless of whether he finds his best form in the southern hemisphere or not.
Surely this shouldn’t be the case? In football, many countries encourage their players to move abroad to grow and develop as footballers. And in many instances they return for international duty as more experienced, well-rounded footballers.
Wilkinson is another player who has been revitalised by a move away from England. His career had stagnated at Newcastle Falcons, while his international prospects also appeared to be waning.
However, when Toulon came knocking, Wilkinson saw the opportunity to rekindle his love for the sport. It worked – and England have reaped the benefits. Since his recall to the international fold in the autumn, the fly-half has scored 41 points in four matches, including 15 in the weekend’s encouraging victory against Warren Gatland’s side.
Meanwhile, fellow exile Haskell was named Man of the Match for his commanding performance at Twickenham – it would be a shock if his first two Test tries don’t turn out to be the first of many.
It’s a make-or-break tournament for England’s head coach, Johnson; however, his decision to include Haskell in his elite player squad despite initially warning him that he was risking his international future, has been a shrewd move.
A sign of a good coach is one who can learn from his own mistakes, and perhaps Johnson won’t be so eager, in future, to warn players that their international careers may suffer if they consider venturing into new territory.
Tags: