James Haskell - Part One

Wasps have been at the top of English rugby for a number of years. They have consistently challenged for and won silverware and also regularly provided a number of key players for England. Last week I got the opportunity to speak to James Haskell one of their rising stars and find out what the future holds for both himself and the club.

James Haskell is part of one the most exciting and dynamic squads in the Premiership and his talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. Last year he won his first England caps during the Six Nations when he formed an all Wasps back row with Tom Rees and Joe Worsley.

Since then he was unlucky to be cut from the final World Cup Squad but his form for club should ensure he doesn’t remain on the sidelines for long.

“When I came back from the world cup training squad I looked at the guys around the team and there was so much talent”

Slow Start

However it didn’t all go to plan in the early stages of the season.

“The results didn’t go our way but only due to a few minor details, we turned the ball over too much, a lack of discipline, and our leadership and direction.”

“That is the sort of thing the England guys brought back, its pretty good we’ve got the confidence back, because we have a lot of talent.”

Back to back wins over Newcastle and a number of other impressive wins in both the EDF and Heineken Cup have put Wasps’ season back on track.

“We turned the results round in the Heineken Cup and the EDF, and we’ve carried that through. But it’s all down to the hard work we’re putting in and the guys are taking more pride in their performances and lowered the error rate and that’s the key really”

‘A’ Team

Coinciding with the success of the first team the ‘A’ team have also started their season with a bang. Three impressive wins from three have made them early favourites to repeat their glory from last year. Having played a number of games for the A team over recent seasons I asked Haskell if he has had a chance to watch any games.

“Unfortunately I haven’t been able to get down to one, but the good thing about Wasps is that we are all part of one squad, one team.”

“The players try to take an interest in everything that happens, I’m always interested to see them doing well, it’s a mark of the talent in the squad.”

It’s also a good chance for the first team players to keep an eye over their shoulder for up and coming players.

“I’m not a great watcher of games I could potentially be involved in, when you see your competition playing well it's never a nice feeling.”

This is Part One of my interview with James Haskell. Tomorrow – Haskell on the Baa Baas, Sevens and Matt Hampson.