Third club now in the frame to win James Haskell signature - reports

A new club is now in the frame to win the signature of soon to be ex-Wasps backrow James Haskell.

Speculation continues to mount over his next destination after he confirmed earlier this month that he would be leaving Wasps.

Haskell had been heavily linked to Bristol who are likley to be promoted back into the Premiership next season and Northampton Saints, who are in the market for a large backrower after losing the services of Louis Picamoles in 2017.

However reports are that the 6’4, 114kg looseforward is now in ‘advanced stages’ of talks with Worcester Warriors.

The fact that Worcester are looking to replace Scottish backrow David Denton, who will move to Leicester next season, has added to the credibility of the claim.

Both the Rugby Paper and the Telegraph are now reporting that the struggling Warriors are now front-runners for his signature.

Speaking on the Rugby Pod Facebook live, former England and Wasps 10 Andy Goode – a friend of Haskell’s, said that that talks between Haskell and the club were in “advanced stages”.

Haskell has specified that he wants to remain eligible to play for England and will stay in the Premiership even if it means a paycut as a result.

In an interview with the Guardian, Haskell spoke of the chance to appear in the 2019 Rugby World Cup: “It would essentially be a dream come true.

“It’s a massive challenge but there would be a big pot of gold at the end of that rainbow. My priority is to stay in the Premiership. I’m fully aware if I go outside of that, then it’s game over. They are not going to make a dispensation for me, sadly.”

Haskell has made 75 appearances for England as well as playing for the British Lions and is hanging on as a marginal member of England’s Six Nations squad, having been called back into the squad after suspension.

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