NEW CAPTAINCY, NEW ERA? A CONVERSATION WITH JAMES HASKELL

Newly appointed Wasps captain, James Haskell, plans to lead his team into a new winning era.

Wasps enjoyed an immensely successful few seasons throughout the 2000’s, lifting the Heineken Cup trophy twice along with four Premiership titles between 2003 and 2008.

However, the summer of 2008 saw an exodus of players such as the now skipper Haskell, leave for the Top 14 and legendary players such as Lawrence Dallaglio hanging up there boots. By May 2012 the team had reached new lows finishing 11^th in the Premiership and narrowly avoiding relegation. With 2013 came a new owner in David Richardson and a brighter future with increased financial security. Wasps are now back on the up under the leadership of Haskell. 

“The captaincy has ignited a feeling of responsibility within me. I care a lot about this club and want to create a winning environment within it,” he said.

“I am fit, my training process is right and I am in a good place.

“Chris Bell did a fantastic job captaining the side last season.

“There should be 15 leaders on the pitch, not all speaking at once, but everyone has a responsibility.”

Having signed the likes of Welsh international Bradley Davies, Italian prop Lorenzo Cittadini and the Haskell-like flanker, James Gaskell from Sale, the club is certainly building for the future. 

As well recruiting new players, the club is also very focused on the youth they possess within the side. Despite their young age, Sam Jones, Elliot Daly and Christian Wade were key figures in rescuing the side from demotion and financial meltdown in the summer of 2012. 

With young players like Jones rising through the ranks, Haskell aims to encourage leadership and responsibility in all of his players with the hope that this will result in increased success on the pitch.

After a drop in performance over the last few season Haskell believes he is back to good form and is ready to take on the responsibility of sending his team to the top of the Premiership. 

 “We have recruited well and we have a good coaching staff so we want to be up there competing,” he said.

“Boys like Mullan and Sam Jones are the next legacy of the club.

“We want to continue fighting in Europe.”