HE may have experienced one of the most memorable season’s to-date of his rugby career but Wasps skipper James Haskell revealed he is still looking over his shoulder as the race to book a ticket to Australia this summer hots up.
England travel Down Under in June where they will play Australia in three test matches and Haskell, who was a key member of Eddie Jones’ Grand Slam winning side in March’s Six Nations is desperate to be involved.
Earlier this month newly-appointed England boss, Jones, described the form and attitude of four or five of his Grand Slam winning side as below-par and threatened to axe established names for the tour to Australia.
The accusation was certainly not pointed in Haskell’s direction but the Wasps flanker is determined to ensure he does not fall into Jones’ bad-books in the remaining weeks of the season as he chases silverware with his club.
“Eddie hasn’t said anything about the summer tour; it’s all on the down low presently and we all know it’s about performing for our club sides presently.” said Haskell.
“I’ve been looking over my shoulder since day one, since I was 21, that’s the nature of rugby. I don’t worry too much about other players, if I worry about myself not playing well that’s what’s important.
“Any time to start for England is the dream for any player, and my desire to play for my country burns as brightly as it ever did.
“The senior players talked amongst ourselves about how we wanted to be remembered and look back on our careers when they were to finish.
“To win a Grand Slam is a marker in the sand now, it’s something that no-one can take away from you. It’s such a hard thing to achieve and it was an incredible moment.”
Land Rover is the main club partner of Wasps. The club recently unveiled its latest community vehicle, a bespoke Land Rover Defender which will help deliver the clubs work in the local community, engaging youngsters in rugby. Follow @LandRoverRugby
