Haskell returns to New Zealand
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James Haskell has been included in the England squad, set to tour New Zealand, for the first time since the World Cup in 2011.
Haskell has had a checkered career which has included several foul-play bans as well as being expelled from school for a pornographic incident.
The big loose forward, who knows New Zealand well, had a stint with the Highlanders and was also a member of the England group that were involved in a series of controversial off-field events at the World Cup.
The controversial forward was part of England head coach Stuart Lancaster's additional squad members named after Harlequins and Leicester Tigers lost out in the Premiership semi-finals.
Thirty players will fly to Auckland on Tuesday, and be available for the 1st Test at Eden Park on June 7.
A further group will leave on June 2 following the Premiership final between Saracens and Northampton Saints and the England XV v Barbarians match at Twickenham Stadium.
These players will be named on June 2 following an assessment of both games.
“We are excited about the squad we are taking to New Zealand and, while there continues to be challenges in selection, we will be well and truly ready for the 1st Test," Lancaster said
"It has a been good few days training and great to be able to work with a larger group of players in the lead up to the Barbarians game and the tour.
“With the Barbarians game and the Premiership final to come we will make our final selection once we know the availability of all players.
"This group will fly out on the Monday following the Barbarians game.
“As is often the case there are some players unavailable through injury and it is a shame that recently both George Ford and Anthony Allen have had to withdraw due to shoulder and knee injuries sustained towards the end of the season
“Anthony Watson is being treated for a hamstring injury and will continue his recovery in England before a final decision is made on whether he will join us in New Zealand on the Monday flight post final and Barbarians game.”
England squad flying to New Zealand:
Forwards: Joe Marler, Matt Mullan, Kieran Brookes, Henry Thomas, David Wilson, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Gray, Dave Ward, Rob Webber, Dave Attwood, Joe Launchbury, Geoff Parling, Ed Slater, James Haskell, Tom Johnson, Matt Kvesic, Ben Morgan, Chris Robshaw
Backs: Danny Care, Ben Youngs, Freddie Burns, Danny Cipriani, Kyle Eastmond, Manusamoa Tuilagi, Henry Trinder, Billy Twelvetrees, Mike Brown, Jonny May, Chris Pennell, Marland Yarde.
England squad for Barbarians game:
Forwards: Nathan Catt, Ross Harrison, Will Collier, Kyle Sinkler, Rob Buchanan, Tommy Taylor, Graham Kitchener, Charlie Matthews, Michael Paterson, Dave Ewers, James Gaskell, Jamie Gibson, Luke Wallace.
Backs: Dan Robson, Joe Simpson, Henry Slade, Ollie Devoto, Sam Hill, Jonathan Joseph, Elliot Daly, Rob Miller, Semesa Rokoduguni, Charlie Sharples.
Match schedule:
June 7: 1st Test – Eden Park, Auckland
June 14: 2nd Test – Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
June 17: Crusaders – AMI Stadium, Christchurch
June 21: 3rd Test – Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
England XV v Barbarians
June 1: Twickenham Stadium
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