James Haskell signs new Wasps contract

As revealed by Neil Fissler in The Rugby Paper yesterday, James Haskell has penned a new deal with Wasps.
The England flanker was thought to be Gloucester‘s top priority for next season but the 30-year-old has opted to stay with the only English club he’s ever played for in order to fulfil his thirst for silverware.
Haskell became the youngest player to represent Wasps on the professional stage when he made his in 2002 as an 18-year-old.
He went on to make 160 appearances for the club while winning both the Premiership and Heineken Cup.
He spent three seasons playing abroad, between 2009 and 2012, turning out for Stade Francais in France, Ricoh Black Rams in Japan and the Highlanders in New Zealand.
Since returning to Wasps in 2012, he proved to be a natural leader and was named club captain last season – sharing the duties with Matt Mullan this term.
Aside from his successful club career, Haskell is also England’s most experienced players with 62 Test caps having played in the last two World Cups.
He said: “I am delighted and over the moon to be extending my contract with Wasps. It is the only Premiership club I have ever known and feels like home, even after my stint around the world. I supported Wasps as an avid fan from the age of 13, so to be able to extend my stay, and lead the boys out as captain, is a dream come true.
“Obviously it wasn’t a decision I took lightly as being 30 it was really important I chose a team that I felt were going to compete and ultimately win silverware. I am motivated personally by always trying to improve and have a burning desire to win more silverware.
“With Dai Young in charge and our owner Derek Richardson at the helm, I felt Wasps were a team that would do that. We have a developing and exciting squad that I feel will continue in an upwards trajectory and only get better. It’s an honour to be part of that process.
“It was also important that I stayed in the UK to continue my quest to play for England again. Pulling on that white shirt is why I get up every day and I feel I still have more to give at that level.
“As a club, we are starting a new chapter in Coventry with old and new fans, who have been out of this world in their support for the team. To front the move and start a new chapter is very exciting.”
Director of Rugby Dai Young added: “James has been an outstanding captain for us, as well as one of our key performers over the past few seasons. His decision to extend his contract shows his belief in this squad and the direction the club is moving in.
“As one of our senior players, James will play an integral part in the squad’s development, helping to drive standards and performance. He is excited by the leadership role and I am sure he will continue to excel at it. He was also a key influence in helping the club make a smooth transition to Coventry and we are thrilled he will continue to play a big part in Wasps’ future.
“Hask is a larger-than-life character, but he is also a true professional in his approach to the game and is always one of the last to leave training after doing extras. That drive to keep on improving is the reason he has produced some of his best rugby of his career over the past couple of seasons.
“James is hungry to continue playing for England and I think he’s a genuine option to go right through to the next World Cup.”