James Haskell handed Wasps captaincy

Haskell will take charge at Adams Park next season (©GettyImages).

James Haskell has extended his contract with London Wasps and will captain the Aviva Premiership club next season.

The 29-year-old England forward, who has won 51 international caps, will replace centre Chris Bell as captain at Adams Park. Bell as been named as vice captain for the coming season alongside Matt Mullan.

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Back home

Haskell began his professional career at Wasps in 2002, making his debut as an 18-year-old.

The flanker helped the club win the Heineken Cup and three Premiership titles before he left to join Stade Francais in 2009.

After short spells in France, Japan and New Zealand, Haskell returned to Adams Park in 2012.

Boyhood Wasps fan

Haskell said: "I grew up supporting Wasps, which a lot of people don't realise. I have been a boyhood fan since I was 12.

I had the privilege of learning from icons of the game here, like Lawrence Dallaglio, Joe Worsley and Paul Volley, and it is a huge privilege to now be in a position to lead the Club.

“Belly [Chris Bell] did an absolutely fantastic job leading the squad last season and we will work closely together again this season.

"All the boys listen to him and he will continue to play a vital leadership role within the squad. We are all looking forward to the new season getting underway and putting in performances players, coaches and supporters can be proud of.”

A better season ahead?

Wasps missed out on the Premiership playoffs last season, finishing in seventh place. But the club now have their sights set on a top-six finish and a fruitful European Champions Cup campaign.

Wasps have already signalled their intent to return to the peak of the Premiership with a number of high-profile signings, including: Lorenzo Cittadini, Rob Miller, Bradley Davies and Samoan duo Sailosi Tagicakibau and Alapati Leiua.