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Rugby journo just announced on twitter that we will unveil him tomorrow

I’m happy when international talent and proven hard working winners are signed.


Others will combust on here, I’ve got my popcorn ready....

No self combustion from me just can't stand the bloke.
You sound like his agent !!

Very good player

Just seen that.. while he still harbours and is in with a shout of playing for England he will bust a gut playing for whoever so I don’t think it’s a bad short term signing. I would hope we have got him on the cheap relatively speaking.

As you say await the angry mob

And Owen Slot reporting that Cipriani will be announced as a Gloucester player this week

Hask is (or was...don't know yet!) a decent international standard player. I don't really care what his antics are off the pitch, as long as he represents the club well in public. I'm sure if he's a pillock around the squad, he'll be put in his place, although he may be the kind of character that gets a squad going and help bond it.

My initial reaction was "oh-no!".... but happy to let James show us what he's made of when wearing the jersey.

Why are Haskell and Cipriani leaving a top side in Wasps to sign up for lowly sides like Saints and Gloucester? An answer to that question should provide better info on the yes/no of signing them.

Is the Saints signing of Haskell an insurance against the threat of relegation. I have my doubts over Haskell making much difference to the Saints back row for more than the short term, surely its time to prioritise younger, more long term solutions in such a position, whatever that might be in Haskell's case.

Bemused by this signing. Gibson is a nailed on starter at 6. We’ve got Brussow at 7 or Harrison considering the way he’s been playing there I’d like to see him start there. Haskell is not going to play 8 I would think. We’ve got Wood also at flanker. Then what is going to happen to Ludlum? Considering his age he will surely only be here for one season for one last decent premiership pay check and to get himself into the World Cup squad. Better, younger, more future proof flankers out there. He is a good tackler and hard working player but we already have at least three of those in Wood, Gibson and Harrison. So what else is he going to bring to the party? Disappointed in a recruitment here.

Do we really need another flanker? We currently have

Henrich Brussow
Tom Wood
Jamie Gibson
Teimana Harrison
Lewis Ludlam
Paddy Ryan (senior academy)


Number 8s. We have Mitch Eadie. Surely we're still needing another player here?

If this one is true, then good luck to James in the GB&G. Have the same concern as andysaint about Lewis' development now. I just don't see this as a signing that actually improves the stable of back rowers, just engorges it.

If we needed a good quality, relatively cheap squad player we should have kept Nutley. The only area Nutley isn't as good as Haskell is self promotion.

As others has said I don't see the logic in this recruitment but it sounds like it is done now so welcome to the Saints, James.

Ludlam signed a one year deal last year, turning down the two year option offered by the club and offers from 3 other premiership clubs.

He has to get decent game time this year or he wi be gone.

Feels like the club value one year of Haskell over Ludlams long term development.

Very disappointing

Just wait until the 'never in my day' brigade wake up and see this thread. There will be the same outcry as there was when Corne Krige was signed, threats of returning their season tickets and burning their shirts in front of the statue. As others have said, I personally cannot see why, would rather have seen the signing of a 'lump' at 8. However, management ( I hope) know better than me so if true, welcome James.

I suppose, in some respects, the onus is now on Lewis to prove what Jack Willis has done at Wasps in the last few months.

Quote:

ElySaint
I suppose, in some respects, the onus is now on Lewis to prove what Jack Willis has done at Wasps in the last few months.

Yes given a chance to do so as Willis was at Wasps!

If Haskell is the answer then, for me, we are asking the wrong question.

IF he’s signed to compete in the 8 shirt and IF he isn’t only huge money but is taking a punt to get in an England shirt, then I have no issue with this one.

The only reason I see to sign he would be a great bench player. He offers impact and can cover the whole back row.

Personally I don’t think we needed another flanker, it doesn’t matter who it is we have a desperate need for an 8!

Maybe he’ll play 8 again? Who knows but this is random if true.

Biggest ego in English rugby at the end of his career but nonetheless a lump in the back row. If this signing hinders the progress of Ludlam and others.......we shall see.

Big problems at Wasps I fear whatever Dayglo says.

Our pack suffered badly this year
Bullied
Pushed backwards at scrum
Appalling at breakdown ( especially with Gibson and wood in tandem)
Little front foot ball
Absence of big ball carriers

I can see why we would want to sign JH

Played at 8 for a number of periods during his career including I believe his stint in Super Rugby, perhaps filling a void short term.

I just dont see what he offers that is different or better than what we have. However if Gibson or H have a good start to the season and Eddie notices then we will be glad to have experienced backup.

If true I think it's a good signing.

I get he's divisive, but he's a much better player than Nutley. He works exceptionally hard in defence, which was such a poor area for us last year.

It will take Boyd time to make the team 'his'. So short term signings like this effectively buy him a year or so and I've no problem with that. Wood isn't the player he once was and Ryan should be targeting the season after next as a breakthrough, not this one.

The only negative will be if this stops Ludlam's development. If the game's won/lost with 10mins to go I don't want to see Haskell coming off the bench for meaningless minutes, that's development time...

Quote:

SaintMaul
If Haskell is the answer then, for me, we are asking the wrong question.

This massively. What are we doing saints. Offers no real carrying ability, breakdown skills. Will make tackles, although will prevent ludlam game time. Haven't we got enough 6.5's?

This has actually disappointed me, especially when you also think about the cap money it will use. That doesn't often happen with new signings!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 14/05/2018 07:45 by herbie85.

So "in Chris Boyd we trust" then? If Chris Boyd feels we need him then there must be a reason. I'm not keen on the guy, hope it's short term and until Chris Boyd can get the back rower that he, perhaps, would like. Maybe there were few other choices. Best of luck James, welcome to Saints for however long you are here. When you step on the pitch the fans will be behind you.

Oh I’m loving the meltdown on here...


“Nutley offers the same as Haskell”


Yeah Ben has a bucket load of England caps and picked for the Lions. Either that or he couldn’t even get in a garbage saints team.

Quote:

herbie85

Quote:

SaintMaul
If Haskell is the answer then, for me, we are asking the wrong question.

This massively. What are we doing saints. Offers no real carrying ability, breakdown skills. Will make tackles, although will prevent ludlam game time. Haven't we got enough 6.5's?

This has actually disappointed me, especially when you also think about the cap money it will use. That doesn't often happen with new signings!

you know the finances of the deal?

Saints have appalling season
New DoR appointed
Brings in experienced international player
Some don’t like the player
Stupid new DoR. What a rubbish decision
Existing players that didn’t perform must be picked moving forward

Cognitive dissonance

Quote:

Wilson Pickett
Oh I’m loving the meltdown on here...

“Nutley offers the same as Haskell”


Yeah Ben has a bucket load of England caps and picked for the Lions. Either that or he couldn’t even get in a garbage saints team.

Your correct Wilson, in comparing the twos achievements is illogical as there is a gulf. The caveat is, England and lions selection has been and still is extremely questionable, certainly in my opinion and I would think a lot of others, just look at the controversy with this squad. a lot of players have a lot of caps, but I wouldn't necessarily think they would all benefit our side.

Quote:

herbie85

Quote:

Wilson Pickett
Oh I’m loving the meltdown on here...

“Nutley offers the same as Haskell”


Yeah Ben has a bucket load of England caps and picked for the Lions. Either that or he couldn’t even get in a garbage saints team.

Your correct Wilson, in comparing the twos achievements is illogical as there is a gulf. The caveat is, England and lions selection has been and still is extremely questionable, certainly in my opinion and I would think a lot of others, just look at the controversy with this squad. a lot of players have a lot of caps, but I wouldn't necessarily think they would all benefit our side.

Interesting from the Mirror...... love a bargain


“But it is thought he has accepted a cut-price switch from the West to East Midlands where, at the very least, he will remain eligible for selection should Eddie Jones decide he has another season in him.

“I have to look at what is important to me,” Haskell said in February when admitting that “100 per cent” he was prepared to slash his salary demands to stay at English rugby’s top table.

“My priority is to try to be in this England squad going towards a World Cup in Japan under Eddie Jones. There would be a big pot of gold at the end of that rainbow.””

Would imagine he will be on a sizeable whack. His honours have just been highlighted, I would imagine he hasn't come here for a bit of boot and beer money.

Ah well. We have had players I've had no time for before and I'm sure we will again!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 14/05/2018 08:06 by herbie85.

Quote:

herbie85
Would imagine he will be on a sizeable whack. His honours have just been highlighted, I would imagine he hasn't come here for a bit of boot and beer money.
Ah well. We have had players I've had no time for before and I'm sure we will again!

please read the content - he has needed to take a pay cut to just get some rugby

he earns decent money from his endorsements and other fitness exploits

If true it's a very poor decision in my opinion. We should be building for the future, starting with a collective inner team spirit. That no other team wants him is a clue. Oh dear!

I am a first time poster here, but long time Saints fan so please go easy on me. This thread caught my eye though.

I do struggle to see the issue with signing Haskell, someone who more than adequately covers all 3 back row positions and has been an integral part of a top 4 squad for the last couple of years. For me he is something different. Wood and Gibson are very similar, we don't have a lump at 6. His defence is as good as any and that is definitely something we lack, even more so since the very sad retirement of Horne. Haskell can be our defensive leader. He really seems motivated and that can only be a good thing, and I may be wrong but Boyd would have probably seen Haskell during his stint in super rugby and sees him as a guy that can play the style he wants to implement at Saints. He may be 32 but he looks after himself physically, Ludlum is a 7 with great potential, he shouldn't feel threatened by Haskell he should see it as a great opportunity to learn from an experienced international who has played in every major competition in world rugby. If anyone is in Ludlum's way it would be Brussow.
Haskell is a winner and I can only see that as a positive following the departures of Day, Myler and Foden.

Quote:

Wilson Pickett

Quote:

herbie85
Would imagine he will be on a sizeable whack. His honours have just been highlighted, I would imagine he hasn't come here for a bit of boot and beer money.
Ah well. We have had players I've had no time for before and I'm sure we will again!

please read the content - he has needed to take a pay cut to just get some rugby

he earns decent money from his endorsements and other fitness exploits

Ah papers, always known for their 100% content. That lines fine from feb, he may for all I know have taken a 75% cut. He may have taken a 5%. We don't know, all I'm saying is even with a pay cut, in my view it probably still isn't cheap. I would love to be wrong, and possibly could be.

Quote:

Eif Jones
Why are Haskell and Cipriani leaving a top side in Wasps to sign up for lowly sides like Saints and Gloucester? An answer to that question should provide better info on the yes/no of signing them.
Is the Saints signing of Haskell an insurance against the threat of relegation. I have my doubts over Haskell making much difference to the Saints back row for more than the short term, surely its time to prioritise younger, more long term solutions in such a position, whatever that might be in Haskell's case.

money Eif. Haskell and Cipriani would be on a good wedge, they have some good back rowers coming through so don't really need to sign a like for like to cover Haskell and the money they have saved will go on their new All Black 10 who will also be a marquee player. so probably cost neutral but they have got two big earners out of their salary cap.

with regards the supposed decisive element, I am sure when we are thinking of signing any England player, Dylan and Courts and the rest of the lads who have been involved with England are consulted on whether said player is a good fit or not. If he was deemed to be that bad I doubt Dylan would endorse his signing.

As some of the other posters have mentioned if you think beyond the sensationalist nature of the signing do we really need another 6/7. Maybe he's playing for next to nothing just to prolong bis test career.

He will be on a mission with a point to prove to get in the England squad for WC. if got for the right money on a 1 year deal it’s a win-win in my book.

Don't get the antipathy. Not quite the same as the Corne Krige signing and still has a lot to offer. Our cup doesn't exactly overflow with on and off field leaders and Haskell will bring a strong presence to the dressing room.

I will be wishing him and our other new recruits my full support.

This could be awesome or a complete failure

Aggressive and a good ball carrier.

Cracking signing!!

Quote:

jimmies
This could be awesome or a complete failure

Just what most folks think at the start of any Saints season then.

Welcome Olney678.
Great post and I totally agree - he is a leader and love him or loathe him, he does deliver on the field.

People of here bang on about Nuttley, et al and how it is an absolute travesty that they didn’t get first team game time. But look where they have gone to. The only departing player of recent years who has been snapped up by a better side than us is Calum Clarke. The rest have gone to the championship or lower or as bench fodder for bottom end teams.

If these lads were so fantastic then why hasn’t a top team snapped them up?

I’m sure Boyd has a plan and didn’t see the young lads as making the grade and is backfilling with experience where it is needed (Woody should be doing that role but is playing so under par that I can’t see him being anything more than a bit part player next season).

He's being announced at 10 so it's definitely happening. We can't change it so let's get behind Haskell and trust in Boyd's vision. Welcome James.

From the Offy twitter

Northampton Saints 😇
‏
Verified account

@SaintsRugby
16m16 minutes ago
More
💼 We are now recruiting for the 2018/19 season. The ideal candidate will have...

- International pedigree
- @premrugby experience
- @ChampionsCup honours
- Performed worldwide
- Excellent chat
- DJ skills
- A digger

To apply, please send CV to @SaintsRugby by 10am today

Got to be certain now....

[twitter.com]

---

ACTUAL TRAINING FOOTAGE FROM
BEHIND THE SCENES AT SARACENS:

Coaching & recruitment meeting-

Coach 1: I'll tell you what, Jamie Gibson has been brilliant this season.
Coach 2: Yeah, potential captain next season.
Idiot: Lets sign James Haskell
All: Aye!

Quote:

Matthew
Got to be certain now....
[twitter.com]

Got to be certain now...

https://twitter.com/RugbyInsideLine/status/995946830314852352

Let's put it this way, every single Rugby fan I have in my phone has messaged me this morning ripping me a new one, all finding this signing absolutely hilarious. Can't believe we are the fools going in for him.

In Tom Vickers report of the signing there is no mention of Brussow as one of our back row options next season. Should we read anything into this? Maybe his fitness issues?

I think he’ll play at 8.

Welcome indeed Olney678 and for a first post that is spot on with my thinking too. Ditto comments about Dylan Courts etc possibly (probably) having input.

The off field 'persona' is as with many high-profile sportsmen and women all meant to keep the cash till ringing with endorsements ads etc. I often find it amusing when some folk comment on any in the news be it sports or entertainment (same thing?) etc "Oh I can't stand such and such" when they have never met the individual let alone got to know them, don’t confuse public ‘face’ with private.

Finally, we are all excited and pleased to have a top rugby coach joining us who must be having his say in guiding recruitment.

In Boyd we believe yes?

Edited to add Welcome James



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 14/05/2018 12:34 by Bob Stainsby.

Knee jerk reaction was “Nooooooooo”
But
He could be one of those players that makes you change your mind and becomes a fans favourite.

Then again.....

Quote:

Wrench
Let's put it this way, every single Rugby fan I have in my phone has messaged me this morning ripping me a new one, all finding this signing absolutely hilarious. Can't believe we are the fools going in for him.

My mates say great signing - I guess we will find out who is smarter


Flappers - you know I respect your opinion but do you think Boyd is an idiot? You need depth in the back row, is such an attritional game.

This would appear to resolve the discussions of who should be captain next year. Plus I understand that Haskell has a digger, so as well as playing in the back row he can provide cover at groundsman.*

Reading between the lines, does this mean that the out-and-out 8 Boyd wants may not be available this season?

Anyway, welcome to Haskell and I look forward to him proving the naysayers wrong as he makes best efforts to fight his way into the England squad.

NB I did wonder when he did a book signing in Northampton last month, but not in Coventry....

---

ACTUAL TRAINING FOOTAGE FROM
BEHIND THE SCENES AT SARACENS:




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 14/05/2018 10:07 by Matthew.

Tom Vickers just forgot about Brussow...he's not leaving.

Quote:

Bob Stainsby
Welcome indeed Olney678 and for a first post that is spot on with my thinking too. Ditto comments about Dylan Courts etc possibly (probably) having input.
The off field 'persona' is as with many high-profile sportsmen and women all meant to keep the cash till ringing with endorsements ads etc. I often find it amusing when some folk comment on any in the news be it sports or entertainment (same thing?) etc "Oh I can't stand such and such" when they have never met the individual let alone got to know them, don’t confuse public ‘face’ with private.

Finally, we are all excited and pleased to have a top rugby coach joining us who must be having his say in guiding recruitment.

In Boyd we believe yes?

+1

Welcome James
Looking forward to next season already

Quote:

Saint Jericho
He's being announced at 10 so it's definitely happening. We can't change it so let's get behind Haskell and trust in Boyd's vision. Welcome James.

Reluctantly this. As others have said, let's hope we see him hungry on the pitch heading to the RWC and get no antics off the field. Can't fault his pedigree. Boyd knows slightly more than me. Only slightly though*

I can feel a Hoddle's Hunch coming on! How many games will this gym monkey play for Saints? Given his ambition to play for his country and the inevitable injuries that will occur due to his age, I will guess 10.

My goodness, why all this negative stuff?

Maybe all the decent 8's on our radar are contracted for another year, maybe we are using Hask as a stop gap until they are available. None of us know, so lets get behind the coaches and the player.

I think he is the type of player we have been missing, all our back rowers are lightweight and he adds some much needed beef to the pack.

I really hope he tears it up and proves everyone wrong

So all those points conceded against saracens, last in total points conceded by a country mile, a ninth place league finish that could easily have been 11th, and still there are folks squeaking 'I dont know why we signed him'.

I'm excited about this, by the looks of the comments from journos it seems to be a one year contract on reduced money, the guy is extremely focused, wants to be on the plane to Japan and will give absoluteley everything he can to do it, that can only benefit us.

He's good mates with Dylan and from what I've seen buys into Dylans leadership and will pass that down to the younger players.

Chances are because of various factors, we may not have got a number 8 that suited Boyd's plans, Boyd himself has said in the chron today that this is one of his signings, that's more than good enough for me

His off field persona doesn't suit everyone, I find him pretty funny and the few occasions I've met him I've found him to be a decent bloke

Welcome to the Saints Hask

Welcome James -

It seems to me that his commitment to one last season to get to the world cup and belief that if, and only if, he is dominant in a prem club, putting in huge performances week in week out, will be the only way to achieve his goal - we could see a really good signing here.

Its really a "one and done" deal... I would see this as a bit inspired and somewhat opportunistic from Boyd and team.. He could be another leader in the pack (although didnt he and Dylan have some beef a while ago?.. could be interesting? ) absolutely focused on draggin himself and the team together to pull together quickly..

I also hope he doesn't do any interviews.

BTW.. surely this signing is to be a No.8 unless Boyd has another solution up his sleeve. Gibson, Tei and Haskell would be a pretty tidy back row i'd say!

Que sera sera......

I like Haskell until he talks, sometimes he funny but sometimes he needs to think before hand!

He’s a perfect compliment to Gibson in the back row.
Wood will be an expensive water boy next season.

We would of got him at a good price undoubtedly & a pack with him and Barrow Is more fearsome than Wood and Patterson for expample.

It’s either going to be an inspirational signing or a disaster, no middle ground !!

I think he will become a fan favourite even if people won’t admit it 😉

Oh and I don’t think we will see him playing 8 if he wants to be England’s no.7. Kinda defeats the point of taking a pay cut just to stay in contention for England, but then play the whole season out of position anyway.

Hello Wasps fan here in peace.

I don't get the antipathy towards Haskell, he's still a good player IMO. I might be wrong, but I think the reason Wasps didn't keep him was that he wanted a 3 year deal and we offered less.

As for his 'off field antics' I'm not sure having a fitness business and occasionally DJing is the worst thing a rugby player can do in their spare time.

I think his greatest 'crime' is that he's a bit of chatterbox (judging from RFU podcasts and their YouTube channel) and he likes banter. You've got yourselves a hard working player, who will give 100% for team if and when he's selected.

---

If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score? - Vince Lombardi

Quote:

DrHankPym(superhero)
Hello Wasps fan here in peace.
I don't get the antipathy towards Haskell

The antipathy is from a few posters on a message board that represents a tiny, tiny minority of people who support Northampton Saints.

Most people will welcome a guy who has played at the very highest level of the game for years and still has a huge amount to offer our club.

Quote:

Connorman

Quote:

DrHankPym(superhero)
Hello Wasps fan here in peace.
I don't get the antipathy towards Haskell

The antipathy is from a few posters on a message board that represents a tiny, tiny minority of people who support Northampton Saints.

Most people will welcome a guy who has played at the very highest level of the game for years and still has a huge amount to offer our club.

Hear! Hear!


agree with Dr, he doesn’t have a bad disciplinary record, isn’t out getting drunk having skirmishes.... apart from being entrepreneurial and sometimes making poor jokes I’m not sure what the problem... as per Ted having met him he was a nice chap

Love him or loath him for his persona, you can't argue with his work on the field.
If he can fit in and work with the team then I think he will only add to our pack. Ok we aren't going to be building the team of the future around him, but ask yourself, if we were in the premiership final, who would you pick (all being equal) in the pack if Hask was available.... I think he surely would get in our team, right now.

I've been saying for ages, our pack looks rangy, we have neither a fast pack, nor a powerful pack, with the exception of API we seem lost in no mans land, this hasn't escaped the notice of our opponents, who after a couple of phases have just run through the middle of us all season.

So to me, I see the signing as making some sense, and hope it all works out. If it does, he will be away with England, not playing with us, so others will get their chance to step up....

Since Picamoles has now been gone for a whole season, the club has had a whole year to sort out the back row. This is the best solution? We’ve had a year in limbo due to Louis’ late decision and we are now going to have another one. I cannot see how this is balanced for next season. Not blaming Boyd but whoever is sorting out the recruitment at the club at the moment is very short sighted. Haskell can be a good player but wrong time wrong place.

Boyd's View

Yep from what I've seen of him over the years, Hask is a nice guy.

Enjoy him.

---

If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score? - Vince Lombardi

Quote:

JRM
Just wait until the 'never in my day' brigade wake up and see this thread. There will be the same outcry as there was when Corne Krige was signed, threats of returning their season tickets and burning their shirts in front of the statue. As others have said, I personally cannot see why, would rather have seen the signing of a 'lump' at 8. However, management ( I hope) know better than me so if true, welcome James.

Silly comment. Why not just state your opinion rather than rubbishing people who might have a different one?

Quote:

andysaint
Since Picamoles has now been gone for a whole season, the club has had a whole year to sort out the back row. This is the best solution? We’ve had a year in limbo due to Louis’ late decision and we are now going to have another one. I cannot see how this is balanced for next season. Not blaming Boyd but whoever is sorting out the recruitment at the club at the moment is very short sighted. Haskell can be a good player but wrong time wrong place.

the best players won’t be available until after the World Cup...

would you take a year of Haskell to get Kieran Reid or a younger all black next year? I would

Quote:

jimmies
This could be awesome or a complete failure

Or most likely something in-between.

Let’s give the guy a chance - he’s gambling everything on GB&G to make the WC squad. I’m sure he could of gone abroad for far more money tha we offered
I think he’s an inspired out of the box signing
Welcome Hask and good luck for rest of the season

Disapointed to see him depart us but best of luck to him with you guys! For heavens sake though, don’t play him at 8! As Goodey/Jim might say, he’s got hands like flippers!

He’ll be a good addition, I think. With Dylan, Lawes, Wood and Hask in the pack you’ll have some decent leadership and grunt.

Although he appears to be a loudmouth, most of the stuff he says rings pretty true - he’s just up front and open about things rather than sticking to the media training that a lot of players do. In many ways, I think it’s something to be applauded rather than bemoaned.

As for why him and Cips are off, it doesn’t seem to have been either of their decisions. I think most Wasps fans would have happily kept both where possible!

Quote:

JimJam350

Quote:

JRM
Just wait until the 'never in my day' brigade wake up and see this thread. There will be the same outcry as there was when Corne Krige was signed, threats of returning their season tickets and burning their shirts in front of the statue. As others have said, I personally cannot see why, would rather have seen the signing of a 'lump' at 8. However, management ( I hope) know better than me so if true, welcome James.

Silly comment. Why not just state your opinion rather than rubbishing people who might have a different one?

JimJam, do you see the irony in your post? JRM hasn't rubbished anyones opinion, he's made a pretty reasonable assumption based on past marmite signings. you've just said yourself about rubbishing people with a different opinion and at the same time called it a silly comment?

Great signing.