Haskell one of seven Stade Francais players to be released

ENGLAND flanker James Haskell is among a raft of players departing from Stade Français, following a huge shake-up of the Parisian outfit’s playing staff.

Having finished a lowly 11th in the Top 14 and failing to qualify for next season’s Heineken Cup after losing the Amlin Challenge Cup final to Harlequins, Stade were threatened with relegation after having financial problems but they received the necessary investment last week.

With the club’s Top 14 status secure, new administrator Bernard Laporte has wasted no time in making significant changes.