Haskell's double captaincy dream
July 28 2008
Wasps and England back-row James Haskell has given a clear indication that he is hungry to claim the vacant captain's position at both club and country.
The 23-year-old flank, who played a major role in the Guinness Premiership champions' late surge to glory last season, is one of the leading names being considered as Lawrence Dallaglio's replacement at Adams Park.
Yet Haskell looks to be already planning even further ahead and is keen to replicate the side's Twickenham heroics against Leicester with an equally successful European campaign, culminating in the pinnacle of tour selections.
"Last season was huge because of the World Cup and everything else, but this campaign could be just as big," he said, speaking to The Mirror.
"There have been a few changes at Wasps and then there are the new plans that Martin Johnson has for England. And, finally, there's the possibility of going on a Lions tour.
"It would be a dream to be part of that trip to South Africa. There's so much history, pride and esteem involved with the Lions that every single player wants to sample the experience.
"But my first priority is to help Wasps continue to be a very successful club.
"We failed in Europe. Winning the Heineken Cup must be a massive target for us. But we're going to have to raise our performances and not make a slow start if we're going to give ourselves the chance to do that."
Another leadership matter that has yet to be decided is Martin Johnson's first appointment as skipper, with many tipping a younger, more long-term solution to lift the gloom hovering over England's recent fortunes.
And not one to shirk a challenge, Haskell has once again put his hat into the ring, saying he would be honoured to take on the job in what he sees being a solid regime under the World Cup-winning boss.
"The captaincy hasn't been decided yet," he told The Sun.
"At Wasps, not many people have the same experience as Lawrence, so it would be hard to expect one of the younger players to step up straight away.
"But it has always been my dream to captain my club and country. I have the personality and attitude to do it and everyone knows that is my goal. But it's about timing.
"I'll keep looking to improve and hopefully whoever makes those decisions will think I'm the man for that job.
"The person who is first on the team sheet should be captain. Too often in sport the captain is chosen first then the team around them, even though they might not be playing well enough to guarantee their place.
"I don't think that's the best way and I think that will be Martin's policy. It's bringing a good sense of competition already.
"There's nothing hairy fairy about Martin Johnson. He doesn't care about reputations. It's all about how someone is performing and how you carry yourself.
"He's picked an exciting squad and left some big names out - but it's a challenge to those guys now to raise their game.
Johnson's Elite Squad includes New Zealand-born back Riki Flutey, who does not qualify to play for England until September.
The Wasps centre has been an impressive force for his club over recent seasons since his move from London Irish.
And his direct and intelligent back play could be just the tonic needed to reignite England's faltering form, according to Haskell.
"Riki is brilliant. If he had played for another country already and was just playing for England for the money, then that shouldn't be allowed. But Riki isn't doing that," he added.
"New Zealand have never picked him and he's been playing here for a while now, so no one should step in his way. It's a bit like Mike Catt, who was originally from South Africa but no one questions his loyalty.
"Riki will bring pace, power and a level of intelligence to our midfield. He can break tackles and bring a new dimension to our attack that we've been trying to work on.
"I hope he's a big loss to New Zealand because that means he'll be a big hit for England."