JAMES Haskell might be showbiz, but he is an A list star for Wasps on the field.

That is the verdict of director of rugby Dai Young after his captain delivered another dominant display in the back row to help his side upset Northampton Saints at Adams Park yesterday.

Haskell, Ashley Johnson and Nathan Hughes more than matched the Saints for physicality as Wasps gave as good as they got to win a fierce battle 20-16.

Vice captain Chris Bell rightly got the Man of the Match award, but Haskell wasn’t far behind him.

Young said: “I thought he was outstanding. His physicality and leadership was outstanding.

“He was playing against real quality out there, players vying for an England spot, and he was outstanding.”

Haskell replaced Bell as captain during the close season and after an injury-plagued start to his second spell at the club is now one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Young said: “I think people were quite surprised when I picked him as captain.

“Outwardly he can be a little bit showbiz but within the camp he’s a real role model for the players.

“His professionalism, work rate and ethics are outstanding within the camp and on top of that his performances from Christmas last season have been top drawer.”