HarperCollins scores James Haskell memoir

HarperCollins has scored world rights for What A Flanker! by former England and British Lions player James Haskell. 

Executive publisher Oliver Malcolm negotiated the deal for HarperNonFiction with agent Clare Hulton. The book will publish on 17th September 2020. 

Haskell is regarded as one of the game’s most ferocious flankers and biggest characters, playing for the Lions, Wasps, England and in both Australia and France. With 17 years and 77 international caps under his sizeable belt, Haskell is widely known as one of the most successful rugby players of the last decade and therefore uniquely placed to give an unprecedented insight into the game—both on and off the field”, the publisher said.

The book’s synopsis goes on: “In What A Flanker!, Haskell delves deep into his sometimes-compromised memory-bank to reveal the dynamics and the day-to-day of our most gentlemanly game. Told with his trademark self-deprecating wit and candour, What A Flanker! sheds shockingly stark light on the touring, drinking, eating and often unconscionable antics of the professional rugby player.”

Haskell said: “I am very excited to be able to finally put down on paper the stories that have kept me laughing 50 times a day for the entirety of my rugby career. I have been very lucky to have played around the world in a number of teams with some incredible players and characters. When HarperCollins approached me with this opportunity it was a no brainer to say yes. Working with a publisher of this calibre has always been a dream for me.”

Malcolm added: “James Haskell is one of the great characters of rugby and one of the most popular players ever to play the game. What A Flanker! is a brilliantly funny look at the modern game, told in James’ hilariously no-nonsense voice, and with a wit and intelligence that has made him such a stand out star. James is not only self-deprecating and mischievous, but he is also amazingly articulate, so there is genuinely no better man to reveal what really goes on behind the scenes: it’s a little scary to be honest!”