James Haskell set to snub Stade Francais

Wasps flanker James Haskell is set to turn down a lucrative move to Stade Francais and join Bath instead.

Haskell, who helped Wasps to a 12-6 win over Newcastle, is understood to have been forced to rethink his proposed move to France after the Rugby Football Unionwrote to all elite players warning their England places could be in danger if they cross the channel.

Haskell's unease was increased when Leicester's Tom Croft replaced him in the England team in the Six Nations and put himself forward as a potential Lion.

The 24-year-old is now believed to be in talks about moving to the West Country rather than Paris. He has, so far, only signed a letter of intent with Stade, normal practice when dealing with a French club.

Only last week, the forward said he felt like the "most hated man in world rugby" after his decision to move over the Channel drew criticism from, amongst others, Wasps legend Lawrence Dallgalio.

He added: "The easiest decision I could have made would have been to stay at Wasps. I wanted to go somewhere that was a real change, not just down the road, to learn a different language, play a different style of rugby, to mature as a person and get away from some of the misnomers that surround me."

However, Haskell is keenly aware of the "out of sight, out of mind" scenario and is desperate to regain a place in the England team. That is why Bath now appears to be his destination.