---
title: "James Haskell not worried about ‘irrelevant’ Ireland"
canonical: "https://readrugbyunion.com/2018/03/17/james-haskell-not-worried-irrelevant-ireland/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "England"
published: "2018-03-17T12:55:50Z"
modified: "2018-03-17T12:55:50Z"
---

# James Haskell not worried about ‘irrelevant’ Ireland

England’s James Haskell has admitted his side are not worried about Ireland, and has described the Six Nations champions as ‘irrelevant’, the [Daily Express](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/932942/Six-Nations-2018-James-Haskell-England-vs-Ireland)report.

Haskell has been recalled by head coach Eddie Jones to face Ireland on Saturday afternoon, as England look to bounce back after back-to-back defeats to Scotland and France in previous weeks.

![Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readrugbyunion.com/readrugbyunion/2018/03/930141802.jpg)

Talking to the media ahead of the game, Haskell said:

> After losing against Scotland and France, it’s more important we put on a performance, get a victory and acquit ourselves well. What it means to Ireland is kind of irrelevant. We don’t talk about that.

A win for Ireland would give them a third Grand Slam in their history and a first since 2009, condemning England to a third straight defeat in the Six Nations in the process.

England coach Jones has decided to recall Haskell, in what has been a controversial week for the head coach, after a video leaked of Jones labelling Ireland as ‘scummy’, something Rory Best has said will not be used as motivation for his Irish side.