Retirement call from James Haskell

Northampton Saints flanker James Haskell has announced his intention to retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2018/19 campaign.

After a career that has taken him across the globe, the 34-year-old has endured an injury-plagued season with the Saints – struggling with recurring ankle and toe problems that have restricted his appearances.

But despite a frustrating season, Haskell leaves the game as one of England’s most successful players and his experience will be missed around Franklin’s Gardens, the club revealed.

“I have loved every minute of my career in rugby and feel very privileged to have played with and against some exceptional players,” said Haskell.

“There are so many people to thank, but in particular I would like to express my appreciation for all the coaches, trainers and physios who I have worked with throughout my career – from Maidenhead minis all the way up to England and the British & Irish Lions, I owe them all a huge debt of gratitude.

“I also want to thank all my team mates over the years for putting up with me and giving me an adventure that allowed me to laugh every single day.

“My thanks go out to the supporters here at Northampton Saints too who have welcomed me with open arms; I wish I’d been able to offer more on the field this season. This next chapter was supposed to go a very different way, however that is the nature of professional sport. I’ve never spent so much time injured in my entire career, but I’m doing everything I can to help the squad here until my contract ends.”

He added: “Retiring is obviously a really difficult decision for me to make; professional rugby has been the centre of my life for such a long time now and while it’s weird to imagine living without it, I look to the future with huge excitement.

“I look back at my career and have been very lucky to have done most things there are to do in rugby. Sadly, I will never know what it’s like to win a World Cup or represent the Barbarians.

“Finally, I would not have achieved what I have in this sport without the continued support of my amazing wife, my family, and my friends. To them all, I am incredibly grateful.”