Ask James Haskell

[TRF_Olyy]

To celebrate the launch of our Top League forum we've managed to get a Q&A with England International James Haskell, who currently plays for the Ricoh Black Rams.


Post your questions below, and on Sunday evening I'll compile a list and pass them across to James!

 

[psychic duck]

here are some questions ... all based on Japanese rugby though

what is interest/crowd numbers/press coverage for rugby like in Japan?

after your Japanese stint, do you think that their is enough interest in Japan to get good crowds for games involving minnows at the 2019 World Cup and create a good atmosphere and make a successful World Cup?

how would the top Japanese teams do if they played in the Premiership or Top 14? Relegation or mid table respectability?

do you think the Japanese league should play some inter-continental matches with either Super Rugby or European teams?

 

[Hinato]

here are some questions ... all based on Japanese rugby though

what is interest/crowd numbers/press coverage for rugby like in Japan?

after your Japanese stint, do you think that their is enough interest in Japan to get good crowds for games involving minnows at the 2019 World Cup and create a good atmosphere and make a successful World Cup?

how would the top Japanese teams do if they played in the Premiership or Top 14? Relegation or mid table respectability?

do you think the Japanese league should play some inter-continental matches with either Super Rugby or European teams?

The average attendance is 4000 / 5000 people.The influx depends largely on the results of his national team to XV, the Brave Blossoms.

 

[Hinato]

A question for James Haskell: Has he met his compatriot Will Bowley, who plays in Shokki Shuttles(Western League A,the second division Japanese)?

 

[Feicarsinn]

Do you think the longer off season in the Japanese domestic season has a detrimental effect on the national team or does it really make a difference?

How hard has it been adjusting to Japanese culture?

How do you think Stuart Lancaster's England do in the 6 nations this year?

 

[Groundhog]

What led you to pursue a rugby career in Japan?

 

[Draggs]

Have friends/fellow players expressed an interest in following you to Japan since you decided to go?
How is the professional rugby system different in Japan than England and France?
With the Top League gaining interest abroad through players as yourself joining it, do you think we will see more Japanese players in Europe/Super Rugby?

 

[Me 1]

Who have been the toughest opposition players you've played in Japan, especially in the back row?

How do you think this will compare with SupeRugby?

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

It's often said that there's a difference in skill levels between the Sanzar and 6 Nations countries with our southern hemisphere counterparts more comfortable playing expansive rugby. As somebody who has played the game at club level in Europe, Japan and soon in the Super XV, you'll be better qualified to speak on it than most. Do you think this implied criticism of 6 Nations rugby is correct and if so, what can be done to address it?

Do you think a team benefits from picking a specialist openside flanker or should the best three backrowers be picked regardless of position?

What do you do to unwind outside of rugby?

Are there any areas of the game you'd like to see tidied up to make it easier for players, referees and more enjoyable for fans?

Does relegation in the Aviva Premiership hone a player's competitive nature or stunt a team's desire to play attacking rugby?

 

[Peat]

Which brand of video-recorder would you recommend for filming your mates shagging?

How many times did you play soggy biscuit at school?

How do you plan to improve to further DOMINATE World Rugby?

How do Japanese hotel workers react when asked for a kiss down under?

Shark or hippo?

edit: Since Snoopy edited it out, I'd genuinely love to see Haskell's view on Van Halen. He's totally a cock rock man. You can tell.

 

[m0rris]

:lol:

 

[Amobokoboko]

How do you personally feel about the difference between the level of rugby in Japan and when playing/ training for the Highlanders.

 

[big ginger 8]

Who is the "hardest hitter" you've come up against?

Which country has the best backrow in the world? Why? Who would be in the top 3?

 

[gingergenius]

If you were to be available for England this six nations, who would you like alongside you in the back row?

With your adventurous career options, would you ever consider a stint in Rugby League, and if so, for which team?

Where would you most like to go on a backpacking trip, and why?

Which of the new England boys would feature most on the Hask Cam?

 

[Hinato]

The 3rd line Michael Leitch and Todd Clever Were you impressed? Would you also like the press that the best revelation of the Top League season is the Fijian Nemani Nadolo?

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Which of the new England boys would feature most on the Hask Cam?

Porn Dorm Jones

 

[Feicarsinn]

Porn Dorm Jones

I thought it was the other way around

 

[Peat]

What's the most banterous thing you've done that can tell us about without admitting to a criminal offence?

Where does that really come on the list of banterous things done without the restriction?

Who would you say is the Japanese Haskell?

Is it true you got the idea of going to Japan after watching the 'Gap Yah' video on Youtube?

What tips would you give a young lad going on the pull in Japan?

Which action move hero would you compare yourself to?

 

[lucky number 7]

Is Sean o'Brien really as handsome as the cameras tell us?

A fitting 3,000th post.


**** me am I a regular yet?

 

[Peat]

Is Sean o'Brien really as handsome as the cameras tell us?

A fitting 3,000th post.


**** me am I a regular yet?

In a similar vein;

If you had to **** a fellow rugby player, which one would it be?

p.s. No, you're not.