James Haskell slams false reports of his death due to steroid overdose

James Haskell has been the victim of fake news stories published on the internet
James Haskell has been the victim of fake news stories published on the internet
©PA

England back-row James Haskell has slammed false reports which had spread rumours of his death due to excessive steroid usage.

There were other reports too circulating around that the 31-year-old had been selling drugs and had quit the sport but Haskell has put an end to all speculations by posting a video on YouTube.

"You may have seen there are quite a lot of fake news stories operating on Facebook, that I have died of a steroid overdose, which is not true, that I have died of a drug overdose, which is not true, and that my career is over because I have been trying to sell drugs," he said.

"Another rumour is circulating that I had to quit rugby and left everyone in my family and moved away.

"Just to make it clear, this is absolute rubbish. It is all click-bait. Rest assured, I'm not dead and not disgraced and for those of you who are sceptical, we get drugs-tested all the time.

"I'm not dead and for those of you who wish I was dead, better luck next time."

The Wasps star is currently recovering a foot surgery which had cut short his impressive start to the Australian tour in June and is expected to return to action for the Aviva Premiership club this month.