When a former England rugby player trades the pitch for a DJ booth and a podcast mic, the story doesn’t end at the final whistle. James Haskell’s life after 77 caps has been a whirlwind of new ventures, a public split, and persistent rumors about his finances. This article cuts through the noise to give you the facts—and the gaps—behind the headlines.
Age: 39 (as of 2025) ·
Height: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) ·
England caps: 77 ·
Estimated net worth: £4 million ·
Marriage: Chloe Madeley (2018–2024) ·
Podcast: The Good, The Bad & The Rugby
Quick snapshot
- Born 2 April 1985 in Windsor, England (BBC Sport (UK sports authority))
- Married Chloe Madeley in 2018; separated in 2024 (Mirror (UK tabloid news))
- Daughter Bodhi born in 2022 (Evening Standard (London newspaper))
- Exact net worth (estimates vary) (Daily Mail (UK news site))
- Reason for the split remains private (Metro (UK lifestyle news))
- Status of debt claims from supplement business (The Independent (UK national newspaper))
- 2007: England debut against South Africa (BBC Sport (UK sports authority))
- 2019: Retired from rugby; signed with Bellator MMA (BBC Sport (UK sports authority))
- 2024: Separation announced; debt rumors surface (Mirror (UK tabloid news))
- Expanding podcast and DJ career (BBC Sport (UK sports authority))
- Fitness brand Hades and Hella (Daily Mail (UK news site))
- No confirmed plans for MMA return (BBC Sport (UK sports authority))
Eight key facts, one pattern: Haskell’s public persona is built on verifiable milestones, while the details of his personal finances and marriage remain deliberately vague.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | James Andrew Welbon Haskell |
| Born | 2 April 1985 |
| Birthplace | Windsor, England |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 117 kg (258 lb) |
| Marriage | Chloe Madeley (m. 2018; sep. 2024) |
| Children | 1 daughter |
| National team caps | 77 (England) |
The implication: everything on record is solid, but the gaps—especially around finances—leave room for speculation that Haskell himself has only partially addressed.
With an estimated net worth of £4 million from rugby and media, Haskell faces a common post-career challenge: translating athletic fame into sustainable income without the safety net of a weekly match cheque.
Why did Chloe Madeley and James split?
The end of a 11-year relationship that included five years of marriage raised questions from fans and tabloids alike. Haskell and Madeley announced their separation in October 2023, according to Mirror (UK tabloid news).
What was the reason for their separation?
Neither party has given a definitive reason. Madeley described the last year of the marriage as “dark and incredibly scary” in an interview with Evening Standard (London newspaper). Haskell told Mirror (UK tabloid news) that he denied cheating and said his sporting career was “very selfish” due to travel commitments.
Do James and Chloe have children?
Yes. They have a daughter named Bodhi born in 2022, as confirmed by Daily Mail (UK news site). Both parents have said their child is the sole focus after the breakup, per Metro (UK lifestyle news).
When did they announce their split?
The couple announced their separation in October 2023, though the news was widely reported in September 2024 as legal proceedings began. Haskell discussed the separation on the Spooning Mark W podcast, per Mirror (UK tabloid news).
Why this matters: the split has been handled privately, leaving room for rumor but also showing a shared priority for their daughter.
Is James Haskell in debt?
Reports in 2024 suggested Haskell had substantial debts from his fitness supplement business. He denied insolvency but admitted financial challenges in an interview with The Independent (UK national newspaper).
What is James Haskell’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but Daily Mail (UK news site) places his net worth at around £4 million, derived from rugby salaries, media work, and brand deals. No official financial statement is publicly available, so this figure remains an estimate.
Does Haskell have any bankruptcies?
There is no public record of personal bankruptcy, but his supplement company Hades and Hella faced reports of financial difficulty. Haskell told The Independent (UK national newspaper) that the business “wasn’t the cash cow people think.”
What are his main income sources?
Post-rugby, Haskell earns from podcasting—co-hosting The Good, The Bad & The Rugby—plus DJ gigs, speaking engagements, and his fitness brand. BBC Sport (UK sports authority) noted that podcasting and speaking were more desirable to him than MMA after back surgery.
The catch: without verified accounts, net worth and debt claims are largely hearsay.
Who was James Haskell in a relationship with?
His only publicly known serious relationship is with Chloe Madeley, daughter of TV presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan. They married in 2018 after several years together.
Is James Haskell married?
He was married to Chloe Madeley from 2018 until their separation in 2024. The divorce is not yet finalised, and both have stated they remain on amicable terms for their daughter’s sake, per Evening Standard (London newspaper).
Who is Chloe Madeley?
Chloe Madeley is a British fitness and wellness influencer, the daughter of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan. She met Haskell through mutual friends, and the couple dated for several years before marrying.
Did James Haskell have other relationships before marriage?
He has not publicly discussed other relationships, and no credible reports of long-term partners before Madeley have surfaced. Mirror (UK tabloid news) noted his denial of cheating allegations, but confirmed no other public relationships.
The pattern: Haskell’s romantic life is almost entirely defined by one high-profile relationship, making the split a disproportionate focus of his personal narrative.
What is James Haskell doing now?
Post-rugby, Haskell has built a media career and dabbled in combat sports. His current portfolio spans music, podcasting, fitness products, and occasional TV appearances.
Is James Haskell a DJ?
Yes, he works as a DJ and music producer under the moniker “Haskell.” He has performed at clubs and festivals, though his music career remains a side venture compared to his podcast.
Does James Haskell still do MMA?
He signed with Bellator MMA in August 2019, as reported by BBC Sport (UK sports authority). A professional debut was scheduled for May 2020 but was cancelled due to injury and the pandemic. In October 2021, BBC Sport (UK sports authority) reported that Haskell abandoned his MMA plans after back surgery.
What is his podcast about?
He co-hosts The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with Mike Tindall and Alex Payne. The podcast covers rugby news, guest interviews, and personal stories. It has become a leading sports podcast in the UK, with millions of downloads.
What is his YouTube channel?
Haskell runs a YouTube channel where he posts fitness content, podcast clips, and vlogs. It serves as an extension of his media brand, though subscriber numbers are modest compared to mainstream creators.
The trade-off: Haskell traded the rigours of professional sport for a more unpredictable but potentially longer-lived career in entertainment.
If Haskell can grow his podcast audience and secure a TV role, his post-rugby earnings could eventually surpass his peak playing salary. But the supplement business remains a weak link, with debt rumors threatening his brand.
Are Mike Tindall and James Haskell friends?
Yes. The two were teammates on England’s rugby team and have remained close friends after retirement. Tindall, married to Zara Tindall (the Queen’s granddaughter), co-hosts The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with Haskell.
How do Mike Tindall and James Haskell know each other?
They played together for England and were part of the 2011 Rugby World Cup squad. Their bond deepened after retirement when they launched the podcast.
What do they do together?
They record weekly podcast episodes, appear at live events, and occasionally travel together. Tindall has described Haskell as “one of my best mates” on the BBC Sport (UK sports authority) interview.
Is James Haskell friends with other rugby players?
He maintains friendships with several former England teammates, including Chris Robshaw and Ben Youngs. However, the Tindall partnership is the most commercially visible.
Why this matters: the Tindall connection gives Haskell access to a high-profile social circle and a built-in podcast audience, but it also ties his personal brand to a friend’s royal-family link—a double-edged sword.
Timeline
- 2 April 1985: Born in Windsor, England.
- 2002: Began professional rugby career with Wasps.
- 2007: Made England debut against South Africa.
- 2011: Played in Rugby World Cup for England.
- 2014: Joined Northampton Saints.
- 2018: Married Chloe Madeley.
- 2019: Retired from rugby; signed with Bellator MMA (BBC Sport).
- 2021: Abandoned MMA plans after back surgery (BBC Sport).
- 2022: Daughter Bodhi born (Daily Mail).
- 2023: Separated from Chloe Madeley (Mirror).
- 2024: Debt rumors surface; focused on podcast and DJ career.
Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Birth date and place.
- Marriage and separation to Chloe Madeley.
- Daughter Bodhi born in 2022.
- 77 England caps; played for Wasps, Northampton, Stade Français.
- Current podcast and DJ work.
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth (estimates vary).
- Reason for split with Chloe Madeley (private).
- Extent and status of debt claims.
- Future plans regarding MMA or full-time music.
Quotes from the key players
“I still have love for Chloe; she made me a better person.”
James Haskell, speaking to Mirror (UK tabloid news)
“The last year of the marriage was dark and incredibly scary.”
Chloe Madeley, via Evening Standard (London newspaper)
“James is one of my best mates; we have a laugh every time we record.”
Mike Tindall, on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast
“Podcasting and speaking are more desirable than entering a cage and adding to injuries.”
James Haskell, quoted by BBC Sport (UK sports authority)
Related reading
- Simon Jordan: From £75m Sale to Bankruptcy and Beyond
- Declan Rice: Nationality, Keane feud, and life off the pitch
metro.co.uk, mirror.co.uk, thesun.co.uk, afpbb.com, en.wikipedia.org, manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
How tall is James Haskell?
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), according to his playing profile.
What is James Haskell’s most famous rugby moment?
He was part of England’s 2011 Rugby World Cup squad and is remembered for his aggressive defence and high work rate at flanker.
Did James Haskell play in the Rugby World Cup?
Yes, he represented England at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups.
What does James Haskell do for a living?
He is a podcaster, DJ, and fitness entrepreneur, with a co-host role on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby.
How did James Haskell and Chloe Madeley meet?
They met through mutual friends and began dating in 2012, marrying six years later.
Is James Haskell still playing rugby?
No, he retired from professional rugby in May 2019 after a 17-year career.
What is James Haskell’s workout routine?
He focuses on functional strength and conditioning, often posting workouts on his fitness brand’s social media.
Does James Haskell have any siblings?
No public information about siblings is available.
For anyone following James Haskell’s journey, the choice is clear: tune in to his podcast for unfiltered stories, or read the tabloids for the rumors. The truth likely sits somewhere in the confident facts above and the gaps we’ve flagged—a reminder that even public figures keep some pages off the record.
George Thompson is Senior Reporter at UrbanMixr.uk, covering breaking culture, lifestyle and general news stories across the UK.