Haskell knows he can haka it
the players there what they thought northern hemisphere rugby was like.
“They all just thought we did mauling and pick-andgos – they didn’t have much of an idea what we do up here,” he said.
“Obviously they are professional and do their homework. But I’m not sure half the time they know who they’re playing because they live and breathe what they do and they love their Super Rugby.
“They’re very about their rugby.”
If Haskell comes through Saturday’s Premiership final intact he will fly out with his new squad-mates on Monday. His status as a insular physical and, crucially, mental respite for our members.
“Perhaps most worrying is the incredible strain these proposals would place on international players.
“If the Premiership season retains its current start date, the addition of a July tour schedule will lead to an 11-month season for these players. We do not believe the late call-up is as an ‘Academy’ Lion, he says, but his gregarious character means he is unlikely to remain a silent wallflower for long.
“He’ll be an excellent tourist,” said Wasps director of rugby Dai Young. “You are there to do a job but you need to have a bit of fun as well and a positive mentality. current proposals are viable.” The dispute was initiated when World Rugby agreed a shift in the global calendar that moved back England’s summer tours to the southern hemisphere from June to July.
Instead of moving the start of the domestic season from September to October, the Premiership initiated a land grab and announced the extension with the aim of squeezing more club You certainly need characters and he’ll always entertain the group.
“By his own admission he is not firing at 100 per cent yet after coming back from a long lay-off with his foot injury but there is a bit of time yet until the Lions Tests.”
At 32, Haskell had given up hope of becoming a Lion when he missed out on the initial squad announcement but, ironically, he had just come off the phone after chatting to Vunipola on Sunday when Warren Gatland’s call came.
“I’m just going to be the bloke that tries to fit in and do whatever I can for the squad, try to get on that field and play the best I can and enjoy every single moment of it and embrace it for what it is,” he said.
“I’m very honoured. It has been a childhood dream to be involved with the Lions but I had made peace with myself that it wasn’t going to happen.
“Now I’ve been given that lifeline but at the expense of one of the best players in the world.
“From a personal point of view, it is a bit difficult because Billy is a really good mate.
“He’s an unbelievable player and probably the best No8 in the world.
“I’m devastated for him and it’s a huge loss for the Lions squad as a whole because he has been playing some incredible rugby.
“I’m very sad to see he is not going to be involved from a fan’s point of view, because up until about 4pm on Sunday I was still a fan.” appearances out of their star players.
The union’s strong response is a rarity given they are part-funded by Premiership Rugby – but it is a reflection of the anger felt by their members at how player welfare is being ignored in the proposals.
“It is critical that those playing the game have a full say in how it is run,” added the RPA statement.