Haskell forced to deny claims he died

London - England flank James Haskell was forced to assure the rugby world he is still alive on Monday after bizarre rumours surfaced that he had died of a steroid overdose.

Amid reports Haskell had been selling drugs and had subsequently died, the Wasps back row posted a video on YouTube in which he described the fake stories as "click-bait".

"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."

Haskell is currently recovering from a foot injury that required surgery after England's triumphant tour of Australia in June, but is expected to return for Wasps this month.

The 31-year-old has seen his international career rejuvenated by the arrival of England coach Eddie Jones, establishing himself as first-choice openside flank and reaching 70 caps for his country.