RFU keeping Haskell prisoner, say Stade Francais

LONDON - England flanker James Haskell is being kept prisoner by the Rugby Football Union which refuses to release him to play for his club this weekend, Stade Francais president Max Guazzini said on Thursday.

The French club has demanded the RFU release Haskell to play in a domestic Top 14 match against Toulouse on Saturday but the RFU insists it is not obliged to do so.

"I'm very sorry it has come to this. The RFU is keeping him prisoner," Guazzini told BBC Sport on Thursday. "Frankly, their attitude lacks respect."