Former England rugby union star James Haskell has signed with mixed martial arts promoters Bellator, who claim he is set to make his fighting debut early next year.

Haskell, who won 77 caps for England and played in two World Cups, announced his retirement from rugby in May at the age of 34.

James Haskell
James Haskell will make his MMA debut next year (Lee Hamilton-Cooper/Handout)

He has been training alongside current MMA star Michael Page in London, and will compete in the heavyweight division.

Haskell, who also enjoyed Premiership and Heineken Cup success with Wasps, is expected to reveal more about his switch at a press conference in London next week.