Staying in England.

Northampton Saints have this morning confirmed the signing of England international and British & Irish Lion James Haskell from Wasps. The back-row forward has put pen to paper on a one-year deal at Franklin’s Gardens, becoming Saints’ seventh signing ahead of the 2018/19 season.

Haskell made over 200 appearances in a 12-year career at Northampton’s Aviva Premiership rivals Wasps, splitting two spells at the club with stints across the globe at Stade Français, Ricoh Black Rams, and the Highlanders – playing on almost every stage world rugby has to offer.

But Haskell has also excelled at international level for over a decade, earning 77 caps to date for England and getting called up to the 2017 British & Irish Lions squad that toured New Zealand – playing against a Hurricanes side led by Saints’ new director of rugby Chris Boyd.

“I’m really excited and humbled to be joining a giant of English rugby in Northampton Saints,” said Haskell.

“Having had the opportunity to play against them for many years now, I know this is a Club with a proud history and a set of passionate and loyal supporters who always make their presence felt.

“It’s no secret that I want to continue my international career for as long as possible; the only way I can do that is by putting my best foot forward in club rugby and helping Saints fight their way back into contention for silverware.

“There’s a real buzz around Franklin’s Gardens at the moment with the arrival of Chris Boyd, a new coaching team being put in place and a number of top-quality players also joining the squad. I can’t wait to get started in Black, Green and Gold.”