Haskell and Wasps don't fear 'pool of death'
You could excuse James Haskell for being fed up of so-called 'pools of death', but the Wasps captain is determined to do it all over again with a smile on his face.
Haskell will undoubtedly still be sore over England's disappointing World Cup, as the Red Rose suffered pool-stage defeats to Wales and Australia.
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You could excuse James Haskell for being fed up of so-called 'pools of death', but the Wasps captain is determined to do it all over again with a smile on his face.
Haskell will undoubtedly still be sore over England's disappointing World Cup, as the Red Rose suffered pool-stage defeats to Wales and Australia.
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But as Haskell returns to club duty with Wasps he knows things don't get much easier in the European Rugby Champions Cup.
Wasps have been drawn alongside winners of the competition for the last three seasons Toulon, Aviva Premiership Rugby runners-up Bath and three-time champions Leinster.
However, the flanker admits England's World Cup exit has taught him a lot about how to tackle Wasps' unenviable Champions Cup task.
"We have a very tough pool but we are excited about that," said Haskell, who will take Wasps to Leinster for their first European clash.
"As a young player you look at European rugby and you want to play against the likes of Toulon, Leinster and Bath, who are a massive challenge and were unlucky not to win the Premiership last season.
"So for us it is a huge occasion and whatever happens, we will be better players and a better team for it.
"When the pool comes across I don't study it or analyse it, my job as captain is to make sure the players are focussed on the task in hand.
"We will deal with each of those games as they come individually and we will look at those teams on their merits.
"If you worry too much about it, that's fine for speculation among the media and fans. They can talk about a pool of death or whatever they want, but it is best for us to make sure we focus on the task in hand and enjoy it.
"And if I've learned anything about my experience of pools of death recently it is to enjoy it, make sure you smile and try and play the best rugby you can."
Wasps themselves have a rich European history, having lifted the top prize six times, including three successive triumphs between 2003 and 2005.
However, the last of those six arrived in 2008 and Haskell insists he is desperate to bring the European glory days back to Wasps.
"I'm hugely excited. It is great to be back playing European rugby," he added.
"Any player wants to lift that European silverware and for us it is great to be back there. For a long time Wasps were out of the mix but we've got a rich European history.
"We love this competition, our fans love this competition, so for us to be back there is great and hopefully we can have success."
Wasps have been drawn alongside winners of the competition for the last three seasons Toulon, Aviva Premiership Rugby runners-up Bath and three-time champions Leinster.
However, the flanker admits England's World Cup exit has taught him a lot about how to tackle Wasps' unenviable Champions Cup task.
"We have a very tough pool but we are excited about that," said Haskell, who will take Wasps to Leinster for their first European clash.
"As a young player you look at European rugby and you want to play against the likes of Toulon, Leinster and Bath, who are a massive challenge and were unlucky not to win the Premiership last season.
"So for us it is a huge occasion and whatever happens, we will be better players and a better team for it.
"When the pool comes across I don't study it or analyse it, my job as captain is to make sure the players are focussed on the task in hand.
"We will deal with each of those games as they come individually and we will look at those teams on their merits.
"If you worry too much about it, that's fine for speculation among the media and fans. They can talk about a pool of death or whatever they want, but it is best for us to make sure we focus on the task in hand and enjoy it.
"And if I've learned anything about my experience of pools of death recently it is to enjoy it, make sure you smile and try and play the best rugby you can."
Wasps themselves have a rich European history, having lifted the top prize six times, including three successive triumphs between 2003 and 2005.
However, the last of those six arrived in 2008 and Haskell insists he is desperate to bring the European glory days back to Wasps.
"I'm hugely excited. It is great to be back playing European rugby," he added.
"Any player wants to lift that European silverware and for us it is great to be back there. For a long time Wasps were out of the mix but we've got a rich European history.
"We love this competition, our fans love this competition, so for us to be back there is great and hopefully we can have success."
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