James Haskell's World Cup hopes hinge on finding new Premiership club after Wasps exit

James Haskell is trying to find a new Premiership club for next season to keep alive his hopes of making the 2019 World Cup after failing to convince Wasps to offer him a contract.

The England forward will leave Wasps when his deal expires at the end of the season, ending 12 years at the club in two different spells.

Haskell, 32, has been linked with Northampton, while London Irish are another option although their likely relegation may rule out a move.

He said: “I have had a fantastic career at Wasps and would like to think I have played a part in the club’s success over the years.

“I am looking forward to the next phase of my career. I wish all the players and officials at Wasps all the best for the future and will give my usual 100 per cent for the rest of the season.”

Dai Young, the Wasps director of rugby, said: “Hask goes back a long way with Wasps. Since starting in the academy he has played around 200 games including a spell as captain, which is a great achievement.

“I have no doubt whatsoever, given his character and loyalty to this club, that he will remain fully committed until the end of the campaign.”

Haskell, who has won 75 caps, cannot play until 12 February because of a four-week ban that rules him out of England’s Six Nations games with Italy and Wales. He was called up to last summer’s Lions tour to replace the injured Billy Vunipola.

After leaving Wasps in 2009, he played in New Zealand, France and Japan before returning to the six-times English champions four years later.