Stade Francais appeal to IRB over Haskell row March 16, 2010
Stade Francais owner Max Guazzini confirmed today that they would be taking the club or country row with England over flanker James Haskell before the International Rugby Board (IRB).
The 24-year-old's French side wanted him back for this month's Top 14 clash against Toulouse, but England were adamant they were not contractually obliged to release him between two Six Nations Games.
And Guazzini told AFP: "We wrongly appealed to the Six Nations Council and now we're going to approach the IRB over the Haskell case."
Haskell himself tried to smooth over the contract "confusion" and "misunderstanding" that landed him in the middle of an Anglo-French row.
"The contract contains confidentiality clauses which I am bound to observe but I can say that the matter of my release for international duty and training is specifically provided for and I regret there has been a misunderstanding with the club regarding this," he said.
"I will be meeting with Stade Francais once the Six Nations has been completed in an endeavour to resolve this misunderstanding and to ensure there is no more confusion in the future."
Guazzini denied the existence of a release clause in Haskell's contract.
"It's mentioned in his contract that he will be freed a week before the Six Nations tournament and one week before the autumn Tests, which was duly respected," said Guazzini.
"The RFU signed an agreement with the English clubs to free their players outside the IRB windows. Everything can be worked out! They only have to sign a similar agreement with us."
France play England on Saturday at the Stade de France in the final Six Nations tie where the hosts are bidding for the ninth Grand Slam of their history.
News on
RSS 
