Haskell, 23, is one of three England internationals leaving Wasps for France next season, with Tom Palmer also joining Stade Francais while Riki Flutey has signed with Brive.

The triple transfer raid is the clearest sign yet that the balance of power in northern hemisphere rugby has shifted, with English clubs now unable to compete with the financial clout of their French rivals.

Haskell and Flutey are reported to have almost trebled their wages by swapping the Guinness Premiership for the French championship next season.

There have been concerns for England over the impact of a potential exodus across the Channel because overseas-based players do not automatically fall under the new £100million agreement designed to allow Martin Johnson additional preparation time with his squad.

But Haskell ensured his international ambitions will not be jeopardised by demanding a clause in his two-year contract with Stade Francais that guarantees his release for all England duty, including the training weeks before the autumn internationals and RBS 6 Nations that fall outside of the official Test window.

It is understood all three players kept Twickenham fully briefed over their plans. Palmer's deal contains a similar clause while Brive chief executive Simon Gillham confirmed today that his club would continue to make Flutey and Andy Goode available to England.

Haskell explained: "The most important thing for me is playing for England. That is why I play rugby.

"Luckily with the contract with Stade Francais all my release dates, all my EPS (elite player squad) contract is written into my agreement so there will be no excuses not to be involved.

"Some people will criticise me for going to France because they will say I am following the money. To be honest, that was the last of my considerations in going to France.

"A lot of the offers from British clubs and Wasps were very competitive but it was a decision about playing rugby.

"Playing for England was my top priority and I would never have moved if I wasn't able to do that. The reason I play rugby has always been to play for England.

"I am very lucky to have an opportunity to go and play for one of the best teams in France. They have some of the best players, let alone best back-row players, in the world who I can learn from.

"I spent a lot of my time at Wasps learning from players like Lawrence Dallaglio, Joe Worsley and Paul Volley and I hope this will be the same process in France, playing out of my comfort zone and in a really challenging league."