James Haskell spent his summer honing his DJ skills rather than worrying about his England place, after being left out of the squad for the series defeat in South Africa. The 33-year-old flanker, who has since rejoined the England fold for a training camp, used his downtime to complete a music production course and perform at events including a conference for 4,000 young farmers in Blackpool.
Haskell described the experience as “the closest thing to playing a game”, comparing the pressure of a DJ set to running out at Twickenham. “When they start reacting well, it’s the best feeling in the world,” he said. Despite his enthusiasm, he admitted his musical talent is limited, saying, “I am about as musically talented as a house brick.”
The flanker, who has moved from Wasps to Northampton, believes the five-week break has left him fully refreshed after a season hampered by niggling injuries. He acknowledged the intense competition for back-row places, with Saracens’ Michael Rhodes called up for the first time. “If someone plays better or the coaches think they are better, that’s one thing,” Haskell said. “Me sitting at home and worrying about Brad Shields, or Rhodesy or Tom Curry is just going to do nothing.”
Haskell has settled quickly at Northampton, despite initial surprise from teammates Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes. “The idea of being at a different club lasted all of 30 seconds,” he said. “Now it feels like business as usual.”
