Pic: Christian Wade Gave James Haskell A Brilliant Present After Lions Selection

Banter.

James Haskell woke up yesterday morning as a British & Irish Lion after being called up late Sunday night following the shock withdrawal of Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola.

Haskell admits his call-up to the Lions squad is a “childhood dream”, but he has mixed emotions after Vunipola’s injury withdrawal.

“It’s a bit of a mixed one for me because Billy Vunipola is a good friend of mine and he’s an incredible player,” Haskell told Sky Sports News HQ.

“He’s probably one of the best No 8s, if not the best No 8, in the world at the moment.

“I’ve had the opportunity and I’m very humbled because it’s been a childhood dream of mine to go on a Lions tour.

When Haskell arrived at Wasps training yesterday, teammate Christian Wade congratulated him with a brilliant present.