Highlanders loose forward and England international James Haskell is determined to make up for lost time when he returns to the field against the Crusaders in Friday’s Super Rugby match Christchurch.

Haskell has been forced to sit out the last four weeks after he was suspended for punching during the Highlanders’ match against the Sharks in Durban.

But if the past month has been barren for Haskell in rugby terms, the next four weeks are shaping as frenetic.

He will fly to South Africa on Saturday to join the England squad for the three-Test series against the Springboks before he returns to New Zealand to complete his campaign with the Highlanders.

Haskell has been frustrated and disappointed at missing the last four games.

“Jamie Joseph (head coach) has created a special atmosphere here and they are a pretty special group of boys, so you miss it when you are on the outside,” he said.

“Rugby’s not a touchy feely sport and these things happen. But to miss four games is very disappointing and I sort of feel I owe the boys really.

“The Crusaders are without doubt a top side. They’ve got superstars across the field. But we’ve got three games left so there’s no excuse not to throw everything at them.”

Haskell has been training three or four times daily during his enforced lay-off, including some jiu-jitsu and boxing.

“Obviously I won’t be using that (boxing) on the field as it got me into trouble last time,” he said with a wry smile. “You can’t quite replicate match fitness but I’ve been working hard and I think I’ll be OK.”

Haskell believes he has learnt a lot in his time with the Highlanders.

“I’ve been impressed with the breakdown work and some of the attacking ability,” he said.

“Every time you play with and against top players at this level, you are going to pick up things.

“I do feel better as a player and I hope that’s going to show.”