James Haskell: Rio 2016 would be 'an incredible dream'

England

James Haskell: Rio 2016 would be 'an incredible dream'

ESPN Staff

April 5, 2016

James Haskell© DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images

James Haskell has become the latest England international to express his interest in representing Team GB in Sevens at Rio 2016 .

Northampton Saints fullback Ben Foden has spoken of his hope of featuring at the Olympics and Haskell's Wasps teammate Christian Wade has also mentioned his Rio aspirations in the past. Team GB have so far opted against drafting in star names from the XVs format of the sport for the current World Rugby Sevens Series, unlike their rivals have brought in marquee players like Bryan Habana and Sonny Bill Williams.

And Haskell says if Team GB coach Simon Amor expresses an interest in bringing in some established names from XVs then he would jump at the chance to feature in the Olympics.

"It would be unbelievable to play at the Olympics and an incredible dream," Haskell said in the Telegraph. "Listen, if [Team GB head coach] Simon Amor ever picks up the phone and calls I would say 'yeah'. Whether I would be in any shape to play sevens or whether I am past that, I don't know. It would be amazing.

"I think someone like Wadey would be unbelievable to have. I think there are some great players we have that are able to go and plays sevens. Every other country has picked some of their best. You have [All Blacks centre] Sonny Bill and [Australia fly-half] Quade Cooper. I think the sevens should have free rein on who they want to pick. You want to win the gold medal and Team GB winning gold would be sensational."

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James Haskell: Rio 2016 would be 'an incredible dream'