James Haskell is willing to take a pay cut to save his England career despite head coach Eddie Jones joking that his P45 is ready.

Haskell is searching for a new club for next season after being released by Wasps, with either Bristol or Northampton his most likely destinations given that he must remain in the Aviva Premiership to be eligible for Test selection.

To preserve his dream of being involved in the 2019 World Cup, the 32-year-old back row would accept a reduction in an annual salary thought to be in the region of £250,000.

James Haskell speaks to Prince Harry at England training on Friday
James Haskell speaks to Prince Harry at England training on Friday (PA Wire)

“Eddie always jokes that he’s got my P45 in his pocket, laminated, ready to give to me! I’m sure there’s always a taxi running! ” Haskell said.

“I want to stay in the Premiership and I’m still looking at a couple of options, but it’s not an easy decision to make.

“I’m fully aware that if I go outside of the Premiership, then it’s game over because England aren’t going to make a dispensation for me, sadly.

“I’m 100 per cent aware I might have to take a pay cut to still be available. You have to look at what your priorities are and for me, that is to try to be in this England squad going towards a World Cup in Japan under Eddie Jones.

Some of the best pics from England's open training session at Twickenham.

Posted by England Rugby on Friday, February 16, 2018

“It’s a massive challenge, but there would be a big pot of gold at the end of that rainbow.”

Haskell bears no grudge towards Wasps despite the absence of any discussion over a new contract, insisting “it’s business at the end of the day”.

Despite being among the game’s most well-travelled English players after completing spells in three different overseas leagues, he knows that only by remaining on these shores will be able to achieve his ultimate aim.

“You want to go to a place that’s competitive and I don’t want to go to a club and not perform or not get better as a player,” Haskell said.

“I went to Stade Français and I had three coaches in one year – it was a great experience but I don’t need that level of drama in my life.

James Haskell admits his time at Stade Francais was full of 'drama'
James Haskell admits his time at Stade Francais was full of ‘drama’ (David Davies/PA)

“When I was in Japan, New Zealand and France I learnt a lot about myself and it was not about the mercenary element – I didn’t go to take money.

“In Super Rugby I earned next to nothing, probably less than most academy players are on in the Premiership now. It was about going there and having an opportunity.

“I want to make sure I do everything I can to play in that World Cup. If that doesn’t happen and I don’t get selected at least I can say I gave it everything.”

Haskell has missed the opening two rounds of England’s 2018 NatWest 6 Nations campaign after serving a four-week ban for a dangerous tackle but is available for the trip to Murrayfield next Saturday

“Every time you are sent home from England there is potential for the end. I’ve made peace with the fact that it is going to end at some point, but I still believe that I’ve got a lot of give,” he said.