Former England rugby star James Haskell has revealed he identifies as a 'sapiosexual', meaning he is primarily attracted to intelligence rather than physical appearance. The 41-year-old opened up about his dating life following his stint on the reality show Celebs Go Dating, where he learned more about himself than about finding romance.
What is a Sapiosexual?
Haskell explained that the term sapiosexual describes someone who is turned on by a person's intellect. 'It's all about someone's brain,' he said in an exclusive interview with Daily Star. 'I like people who can challenge me, who have something about them. I like confidence, I like intelligence. That's what attracts me.' He joked that he is 'not the sharpest tool in the box' but enjoys being with someone who makes him think.
Unlikely Friendship with Coleen Nolan
One of the biggest surprises from the show was Haskell's friendship with Loose Women star Coleen Nolan. The pair hit it off during filming, and Haskell described her as 'an absolute rocket.' Their playful chemistry led to a flood of messages from older women in his DMs after the show aired. Coleen also left him with an unusual souvenir: a vibrator gifted to her by the dating experts, which she hid in his bag and ended up going home with him.
Why Naked Attraction is a Firm No
Despite his reality TV appearances, Haskell drew the line at Naked Attraction, the dating show where contestants judge potential partners in the nude. 'I'd never do Naked Attraction,' he laughed. 'You've got to be a shower.' He added that unless he was packing 'an absolutely mega piece,' it wouldn't be worth the embarrassment.
Focus on Fatherhood and Business
Since splitting from wife Chloe Madeley in 2023, Haskell has focused on co-parenting their three-year-old daughter Bodhi. He is not actively using dating apps, preferring to meet people in real life. 'I'm not really on dating apps,' he admitted. 'I'd rather meet somebody in real life.'
New Passion for House Music
Away from rugby, Haskell is pursuing a career as a DJ, playing house music at festivals and clubs. 'It's what brings me the most joy, I wish I could do more of it, but it doesn't pay enough to keep the lights on,' he said.
Blackeye Gin Success
Haskell also co-founded Blackeye Gin with friends Mike Tindall and Alex Payne. The brand recently partnered with MSC Cruises, stocking the gin on board MSC Virtuosa after a successful trial. 'We wanted to get our drink exposed as much as possible and working with a mega brand like them to get our drink on board has been brilliant,' he said. The gin is included in MSC's Premium Drinks Package and available in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club.
