RICHARD HAUGHTON has been rewarded for his scintillating performance against Newcastle on Sunday with a call-up to the England A training squad.

The Saracens winger is part of a 26-man squad invited to train alongside the senior set-up, featuring Richard Hill, at Bagshot ahead of England A's clash with France A in France on Saturday, March 6. The England A team will be announced on Monday.

Haughton's team-mate Thomas Castaignde believes the call-up is only the first step on the ladder to full international honours Assisted by the Gallic flair of the French genius, Haughton marked his return from England Sevens duty with a sparkling display on the wing that brought him two tries.

"I was happy to have Del (Haughton) back as he is such a magical player and, I can tell you, one day he is going to play in the England team," declared the Frenchman. "He's really amazing and I think people will look at him closely after today (Sunday). You just have to give him the ball and he makes the difference by himself."

Rod Kafer, the Saracens head coach, was another to sing the praises of the electric wing who is currently one of the hottest properties in the domestic game.

"He was disappointed after his last start against Quins, he didn't have a great game by his standards, so to come back and score two tries was a great response. He looked dangerous every time he got the ball and he's beginning to get that consistency in his game at the moment, which is great."

The performances of Haughton and Castaignde were a key factor behind Sarries sparkling first-half display on Sunday.

"I quite enjoyed the first half. I think it was the best half of the season," said Castaignde, who was not getting carried by the bonus-point victory.

"The second half we thought it was going to be easy with the wind so today we saw the two faces of Saracens. We have got so much talent and when we play well, we are on fire.

"But when we struggle we are very disappointing. I think we rely too much on individuals and if we recruit well in the summer we can be a dangerous team."

Castaignde's hair-style is often said to reflect his mood and the extravagance of his play on Sunday certainly matched his new bleached hair-cut.

"Maybe it's a bit too much colour but I'm a bit of a moody guy so when it's yellow it shows I'm just having fun and enjoying life."