ENGLAND FLANKER James Haskell has been in high demand since his departure from Stade Français was announced yesterday, according to his manager.
Haskell discovered yesterday his time in Paris had come to an end after the French club revealed financial difficulties had forced them to trim some of the biggest names from their squad.
As well as the 26-year-old Haskell, Stade have parted company with Ollie Phillips, Hugo Southwell, Arnaud Marchois, Noel Oelschig, Juan Leguizamon and Mauro Bergamasco.
Haskell’s father and manager Jonathan insists that despite the confusing manner of his exit from Stade, there are already plenty of offers on the table.
“No decisions have been made as yet,” Jonathan Haskell said.
“He’s had expressions of interest from clubs from all over the world – Italy, Ireland, Australia – but it was only confirmed he was leaving yesterday.
“We couldn’t really say it came as a shock but it was not an ongoing process James was aware of.
“Each week they were saying ‘we want you to stay’ and offering him a contract, so it was all rather confusing, all done in a very Gallic fashion.
“All the players and everyone involved with the club said what a wonderfully committed player he was and they’re all very sad to see him go. But there was the financial impact and they’ve had to release a lot of players.”
