James Haskell is one of the most recognisable and outspoken figures in British rugby, but behind the reputation is a story far more complex than most people realise.

In this episode of The Good, The Bad & The Beast, Eddie Hall sits down with former England international and British & Irish Lion James Haskell to talk about the moments that shaped him, the mistakes that followed him for years and the mindset that helped him survive life in the spotlight.

From his early days in rugby and the brutal reality of elite professional sport to the pressures of media scrutiny, public judgement and being written off before his career had even begun. James opens up about the infamous school scandal that followed him for decades, how the media narrative spiralled out of control and the toll it took on his family.

He reflects on England success and failure, the importance of coaching and leadership, the relentless demands of professional rugby and the lessons he learned from being dropped, doubted and criticised at the highest level.

The conversation also dives into life after rugby, navigating fame, reality TV, online abuse, fatherhood and reinventing himself through DJing and creative work. James speaks candidly about therapy, mental resilience and why learning what you can and cannot control has become one of the biggest lessons of his life.

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