England flanker James Haskell has discussed his feelings on the issue of homophobia after posing for the cover of Gay Times magazine.

The 30-year-old has become the cover star for the September issue, which coincides with the start of the Rugby World Cup on UK shores.

During the photoshoot, Haskell, who was named in Stuart Lancaster's England squad on Thursday, posed with rainbow paint across his body to signal gay pride.

In the interview with the magazine, the rugby star said: "If I was to turn up for work and I wasn't able to be myself, and I wasn't able to be comfortable, I just think that'd be terrible, you know?

"I've never really seen anyone as gay or straight or anything like that. If someone comes to me and says, 'I'm gay', or whatever, I just say, "and what?" As long as people play well, I don't care."

The World Cup begins on September 18.

Written by
Danielle Joynson