Wasps back Haskell for Six Nations recall

Haskell, 31, has been selected by Wasps for their final European Champions Cup game away to Italian side Zebre on Sunday, with the English club on course to reach the quarterfinals.

After several months out with a toe injury, Haskell's return earlier this month lasted barely more than 30 seconds after he appeared to be knocked out making a tackle in Wasps' 22-16 Premiership win over Leicester.

Haskell was absent as the Midlands club defeated French giants Toulouse 17-14 in the European Champions Cup last Saturday, but he has now completed the mandatory six-day concussion protocol.

"He finished all his injury protocols over the weekend so he'll be available this week," said former Wales international Young. "We'll definitely involve him, he'll probably start – either at six or seven I'm not sure yet – but he'll definitely be involved.

"He is just bursting to get out there now. We have had a lot of players who have played a lot over the last six or seven weeks so for the likes of 'Has' to come back means we're starting to get into a better position.

"I really felt for him. He has taken a bit of stick over it and if you give it you've got to be prepared to take it. He'll be the first one to rib someone if the shoe was on the other foot. He's really eager to get out there now and hopefully get some big game time."

England coach Eddie Jones is due to name his Six Nations squad on Friday and Young said he thought Haskell would be included despite seven months out prior to his extremely brief comeback.

"We were confident with his foot injury that he'd be back for the Six Nations. It's typical really, he comes back, plays one game for us and goes and plays in the Six Nations," Young said.

"He is extremely fit and he wants to get back out on the field. I'm sure he'll play a big part in England's campaign."

Agence France-Presse