Is French flight a good thing?

Wednesday 10 February 2010
Published By: David Rawlings
International Rugby > England

James Haskell's fine performance in England's 30-17 victory over Wales on Saturday was down in part to his time spent in the French league, according to one writer, who believes the new start has improved his game.

The Guardian's Richard Williams thinks that since Haskell transferred to Stade Français from Wasps he has grown in stature and benefited from a change of scene.

"With a brace of tries that shunted England towards a pressure-relieving victory over Wales, the 24-year-old flanker vindicated his much criticised decision to leave London Wasps and cross the Channel to join Stade Français last summer," he stated.

The number seven is not the first Englishman to cross the Channel in search of a new start.

Jonny Wilkinson did the same thing last season when he moved to Toulon and managed to find his form again, starting the season by scoring all his side's 18 points against Toulouse.