That was the bombshell Joseph dropped when the Highlanders squad was announced at a press conference at Speight's Ale House yesterday.
Overseas players can be contracted but it is an expensive option that has not been used by any of the five New Zealand teams in the past. Pacific Islands players are the exception.
Haskell (26) made his debut for England against Wales in 2007 and has 39 test caps. He joined the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan after the World Cup and will rejoin London Wasps for the 2012-13 northern hemisphere season.
The Highlanders lacked depth in the squad this year and it affected performances at the end of the season, when only one win came from the last four games.
"It's a bit of a coup to have James play for the Highlanders," Joseph admitted. "He has played in all three loose forward positions and is hungry to have a crack at Super rugby."
The signing of Haskell has not emptied the cheque book.
"He's here for the right reasons," chief executive Roger Clark said. "When we get down the rank to signings 29 and 30, they get a set fee."
Haskell, a member of the England World Cup team that played three games at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, made it clear he wanted to play Super 15 rugby and was happy with the small fee.
Haskell blotted his copybook when he and two team-mates were reprimanded for making inappropriate comments to a Dunedin hotel worker during the World Cup.
The other additional signing announced yesterday was former Otago representative Chris Noakes (26), who played for Bay of Plenty in this year's ITM Cup. He played 26 games for Otago between 2007-10.
"We have taken a lead from the Crusaders, who always have a lot of experience in key positions," Joseph said. "Last year we had the option to go to Japan to bring Brownie [Tony Brown] back but we won't be able to do that next year. It will ease the load a bit."
Joseph admitted goal kicking was a problem this year.
"But Colin Slade was injured," he said. "Noakes got the nod because he is a good goal kicker."
The Highlanders have depth and experience with nine All Blacks in the squad. In the World Cup squad were Jimmy Cowan, Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore, Colin Slade and Adam Thomson. Ben Smith and Jarrad Hoeata played this year and Ellison and captain Jamie Mackintosh have played in the past.
"That doesn't always equate to success." Joseph said. "The Hurricanes had a dozen All Blacks this year. The guys still have to work collectively as a team. But it's a bit of a head start."
Continuity is important to Joseph. There were 12 new caps this year and only eight recruits included in the latest team.
The decline of Otago rugby has been demonstrated with only three Otago players - All Blacks Smith, Thomson and Ellison - in the 30-man squad. Nine players are from Southland .
"It is a reflection of the depth of rugby and of franchise contracting," Joseph said. "Two years ago, the team was made up of predominantly Otago and Southland players but we can now select from throughout the country."
Joseph does not think the loss of former All Black lock Tom Donnelly to the Crusaders will weaken the lineout.
"We have three first-class locks, and loose forwards Nick Crosswell and Thomson also cover us in the lineout," Joseph said. "We also play short lineouts."
Joseph gave special praise to Manawatu openside flanker Doug Tietjens, who he felt had slipped through the radar in the past. He studied in Dunedin and played club rugby for University A.
He also has high hopes for Manawatu prop Ma'afu Fia and believes he will learn from the experience of Kees Meeuws, who has been appointed the Highlanders' scrum coach.
"All Black Andrew Hore comes from the Maniototo and his family and friends are from the region. He is a true Highlander," Joseph said. "He will make a huge contribution."
The new boys
Hosea Gear
Position: Winger.
Age: 27.
Province: Wellington.
Physical: 1.88m, 102kg.
Previous teams: All Blacks (eight caps), New Zealand Maori, Hurricanes (2004-11), Poverty Bay, North Harbour.
Andrew Hore
Position: Hooker.
Age: 33.
Province: Taranaki.
Physical: 1.83m, 110kg.
Previous teams: All Blacks (62 caps), Crusaders (2001), Hurricanes (2002-11), Otago.
Tamati Ellison
Position: Midfield back.
Age: 28.
Province: Otago.
Physical: 1.84m, 95kg.
Previous teams: All Blacks (one cap), New Zealand Maori, Blues (2005), Hurricanes (2006-10), Wellington.
James Haskell
Position: Loose forward.
Age: 26.
Province: International player.
Physical: 1.94m, 114kg.
Previous teams: England (39 caps), Wasps, Ricoh Black Rams.
Culum Retallick
Position: Lock.
Age: 27.
Province: Bay of Plenty.
Physical: 1.99m, 113kg.
Previous teams: Chiefs (2010-11).
Doug Tietjens
Position: Flanker.
Age: 27.
Province: Manawatu.
Physical: 1.85m, 101kg.
Previous teams: None.
Ma'afu Fia
Position: Prop.
Age: 21.
Province: Manawatu.
Physical: 1.8m, 126kg.
Previous teams: None.
Chris Noakes
Position: First five.
Age: 26.
Province: Bay of Plenty.
Physical: 1.81m, 85kg.
Previous teams: Otago.
Highlanders - 2012 squad
Fullbacks: Ben Smith, Kurt Baker.
Wingers: Hosea Gear, Kade Poki, Siale Piutau, Telusa Veainu.
Midfielders: Shaun Treeby, Kendrick Lynn, Tamati Ellison.
First fives: Colin Slade, Lima Sopoaga, Chris Noakes.
Halfbacks: Jimmy Cowan, Aaron Smith.
Loose forwards: Adam Thomson, James Haskell, Nasi Manu, John Hardie, Nick Crosswell, Elliot Dixon, Doug Tietjens.
Locks: Josh Bekhuis, Jarrad Hoeata, Culum Retallick.
Props: Jamie Mackintosh, Chris King, Bronson Murray, Ma'afu Fia.
Hookers: Andrew Hore, Jason Rutledge.
Gone from last year: Alando Soakai (Japan), Tom Donnelly (Crusaders), Robbie Robinson (Chiefs), Mahonri Schwalger (Chiefs), James Paterson, Matt Saunders, Sean Romans, Joe Tuineau, Halani Aulika, David Te Moana, Brayden Mitchell.
