Haskell clears up contract 'confusion'
Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:45
England flank James Haskell has tried to smooth over the contract "confusion" and "misunderstanding" that landed him in the middle of an Anglo-French row last week.
The 24-year-old's French side, Stade Français, wanted him back for last Saturday's Top 14 clash against Toulouse.
But England were adamant they did not have to release him, even though there were no Six Nations matches last weekend, prompting a furious response from Stade Français' owner, Max Guazzini.
Haskell tried to calm the situation on Monday by releasing a statement which said: "There has been so much erroneous comment regarding my contract with Stade Français that I feel I need to address the issue.
"The contract contains confidentiality clauses which I am bound to observe but I can say that the matter of my release for international duty and training is specifically provided for and I regret there has been a misunderstanding with the club regarding this.
"I will be meeting with Stade Français once the Six Nations has been completed in an endeavour to resolve this misunderstanding and to ensure there is no more confusion in the future."
Haskell, who joined Stade from English side Wasps before the start of this season, added: "I would like to make it clear that Stade Français have been very good to me and I am very happy in Paris.
"I am looking forward to playing for Stade Français again at the conclusion of the Six Nations.
"Obviously, like any sportsman, the ultimate honour for me is to represent my country.
"I am now looking forward to putting this issue behind me so that my career can flourish at club and international level."
Haskell - man of the match in England's opening match win against Wales - is set to be in the England team to play Scotland when manager Martin Johnson unveils his line-up on Tuesday for Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield.
In the midst of all the cross-Channel arguments, Haskell was unable to train for much of last week after becoming the latest England player to be struck by a stomach bug.
AFP
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