James Haskell, 30, is one of the UK's more well known rugby's players. Having progressed through all levels of rugby, Haskell is now one of The Premiership's top flankers, with the ability to play in all three positions across the back-row, which he has done regularly for both Club and Country.
Born James Andrew Welbon Haskell in Windsor, Berkshire, Haskell has represented England at every level from U18s to seniors, currently holding the record as the only player to appear in every match for the U21 age group team in two successive seasons. James has also played for the England rugby sevens team.
Having started playing rugby aged just 5 at Maidenhead Rugby Club, Haskell joined London Wasps in 2002, becoming the youngest Wasp to make his debut in the Premiership, beating Joe Worlsey's long standing record by 196 days. Aged just 18, he played his first professional season as the youngest member of the Wasps senior squad helping them to win the Zurich Premiership.
His swift development in a Wasps squad, which went onto win the Zurich Championship and Heineken Cup in the 2003/4 season and the Zurich Championship the following season, lead to him being named runner-up to fellow London Wasps back row Tom Rees for both the 2006- 07 Land Rover "Discovery of the Season" and 2007/8 Guinness Premiership 'Young Player of the Year' awards.
The first accolade came at the close of a campaign during which James gained a Heineken Cup winners' medal in only his fifth professional season. He had appeared as a 50th minute replacement for Dallaglio in the 25-9 Twickenham triumph over Leicester Tigers. Haskell won 74 caps for Wasps before joining top French club Stade Francais in 2009.
After a successful two year stint in the French capital. Prior to resigning for London Wasps, Haskell took a sabbatical year in which following the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, he played a season for the Ricoh Black Rams in Tokyo and in Super 15 for the Otago Highlanders.
James made his international debut aged just 21 in the 2007 Six Nations championships against Wales.
Having been in the inaugural National Junior Academy under Brian Ashton, he progressed into the Intermediate National Academy before being selected by Martin Johnson for his 2008/09 Elite Player Squad. James now has over 61 senior international caps. A muscular ball carrier, Haskell possesses a combination of pace, power and determination which has made him a formidable asset to the England back row.