James Haskell has come out swinging in defense of the England rugby team following their recent setbacks in the Six Nations, which saw them falter against both Scotland and Ireland. With the team's hopes for a title now hanging by a thread, Haskell took to the airwaves to set the record straight against fans who have been quick to question the players' commitment.
On ‘The Good, The Bad & The Rugby’ podcast, Haskell expressed his frustration with the post-game criticism.
“After the game, people question your desire [as if] you don’t care. I’ve said this a million times, those players out on that field care more than any fan will care.”
He pointed out the disconnect between the players' expressions of commitment and the fans' expectations, mentioning Ellis Genge's public apology as an example of how players are politically navigating the backlash.
The conversation then pivoted to the perennial frustrations of England supporters. Haskell, seasoned by two decades in professional sports, dismissed the sentimental gripes that fans tend to hold onto.
“The hyperbole, the history, what happened in the past, all that sh*t, that is the luxury of the fan.”
He stressed that professional athletes are wired differently, focused solely on the present and the performance required of them.
Haskell was adamant about the reality of playing professionally, which doesn't include pandering to the crowd's desire for apologies after poor performances.
“I never once took the field thinking about entertaining the fans. I thought about playing well for my teammates and win the f-ing game. If you do do that, you’ll perform.”
He also highlighted the harsh treatment some players face from fans, including severe online abuse and personal attacks, labeling such behavior as utterly nonsensical.
In the raw and unfiltered manner fans have come to expect from Haskell, his comments shed light on the emotional and psychological battles that professional athletes face, battles that are often overshadowed by the spectacle of sport and overlooked by those in the stands.
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James Haskell has come out swinging in defense of the England rugby team following their recent setbacks in the Six Nations, which saw them falter against both Scotland and Ireland. With the team's hopes for a title now hanging by a thread, Haskell took to the airwaves to set the record straight against fans who have been quick to question the players' commitment.
On ‘The Good, The Bad & The Rugby’ podcast, Haskell expressed his frustration with the post-game criticism.
“After the game, people question your desire [as if] you don’t care. I’ve said this a million times, those players out on that field care more than any fan will care.”
He pointed out the disconnect between the players' expressions of commitment and the fans' expectations, mentioning Ellis Genge's public apology as an example of how players are politically navigating the backlash.The conversation then pivoted to the perennial frustrations of England supporters. Haskell, seasoned by two decades in professional sports, dismissed the sentimental gripes that fans tend to hold onto.
“The hyperbole, the history, what happened in the past, all that sh*t, that is the luxury of the fan.”
He stressed that professional athletes are wired differently, focused solely on the present and the performance required of them.Haskell was adamant about the reality of playing professionally, which doesn't include pandering to the crowd's desire for apologies after poor performances.
“I never once took the field thinking about entertaining the fans. I thought about playing well for my teammates and win the f-ing game. If you do do that, you’ll perform.”
He also highlighted the harsh treatment some players face from fans, including severe online abuse and personal attacks, labeling such behavior as utterly nonsensical.In the raw and unfiltered manner fans have come to expect from Haskell, his comments shed light on the emotional and psychological battles that professional athletes face, battles that are often overshadowed by the spectacle of sport and overlooked by those in the stands.