Thursday 21 July 2016 16:03, UK
Wasps and England flanker James Haskell says he is planning to come back "better and fitter" after an injury-enforced spell on the sidelines.
Haskell is facing four to six months out after he required reconstructive surgery on his big toe, having been injured in England's second Test victory over Australia in Melbourne.
The 31-year-old had been on the crest of a wave, having played a huge part in England's dramatic revival under coach Eddie Jones.
Jones took over following last autumn's disappointing World Cup campaign on home soil, masterminding a Six Nations Grand Slam success before leading England to a stunning 3-0 series win in Australia.
Haskell was colossal in the first two Tests in Australia, being named man of the series, even though he had to miss the final match.
Asked on Sky Sports News HQ about the nature of the injury, he explained: "Unfortunately, I had to have a piece of my sesamoid bone removed and some tendons re-attached.
"I had been playing for five or six games with anaesthetic in my foot towards the end of the season, because it just got more and more sore.
"I saw a specialist and nothing else was going to happen to it but then, in that second Test, I must have done something to it where I weakened something called the plantar plate, and had to have an operation.
"I was in for about two and a half hours under the knife and the surgeon says he has done his best work!"
England have another big season coming up and Haskell's performances may lead to a Lions call-up next summer, but he admits such matters are currently far from his thoughts.
"I won't get carried away talking about the Lions," he said. "The most important thing for me is getting back for Wasps. I was captain last season, it is my favourite club in the world, and I am disappointed not to be there with the guys training.
"We were meant to be back in on 1 August but I have got two weeks with my foot up and then the rehab starts. Anyone will tell you who has been injured, it is way worse than any of the training, it is going to be quite flat-out.
"I will try to come back as fast as I can. The surgeon said four to six months, I will try to be pushing back for four.
"It is a long process but I am good at compartmentalising and saying, 'look, I've been playing non-stop for 14 years, this is an opportunity to come back better and fitter'.
"In terms of my future with England, it is very important you just get back for Wasps.
"When I do get back for Wasps I can try to play as well as I can and, if they go well, then England may come calling after that."
Haskell agreed that there was a feel-good factor around the England squad at the moment, to the extent that he was regularly congratulated while away on a two-week break.
"On holiday, every day someone came up and shook my hand and said they wanted to thank the boys for what they did," he said.
"The world is going to hell a bit and there are not a lot of positives around. I think fans really bought into us going on tour and I think it is really good we brought some enjoyment.
"From my point of view, it is not every day you get to beat southern hemisphere sides.
"Eddie Jones knows exactly what he is doing, he has good coaches around him, the message is clear, and we have a good captain in Dylan Hartley.
"We have a lot of boys with experience now who have created a very fun, positive environment, which is very hard-working. If you don't toe the party line, you are left behind."
