Wasps: 'Showbusiness' James Haskell gets backing

Haskell has made 134 appearances across two spells for Wasps

Wasps boss Dai Young has said James Haskell has vindicated the decision to appoint him as skipper this season.

The 29-year-old England flanker led Wasps to a superb win over champions Northampton on Sunday, a week after running Saracens close at Twickenham.

"I think people were quite surprised when I picked him as captain," said the Wasps director of rugby Young.

"Outwardly he can be a little bit showbusiness I suppose. But in the camp he is a real role model."

Haskell has been known to make the odd red carpet appearance

Haskell has a strong presence on Twitter and is not unfamiliar to a photo shoot, premiere or media launch.

But his performances over the past 12 months have seen him re-emerge on the England scene, making his first international appearance in over a year this summer.

And on Sunday the former Stade Francais forward put in a strong performance against Tom Wood, his rival for the England number seven shirt.

"I thought he was outstanding. His physicality in the tackle area and his leadership were outstanding," said Young.

"On top of that, his performances have been top drawer since Christmas last season.

"He was playing against some real quality out there and players who are vying for England spots and I thought he was outstanding."