John Hart today completes his meteoric rise from playing for Brighton College to leading out the European champions

Hart, the 22-year-old lock, has been selected to captain holders Wasps into their Heineken Cup group game with Calvisano in Italy.

He takes charge of a team showing wholesale changes to the side which battled its way past Biarritz in their opening fixture of the European campaign last Sunday.

Hart was captain of Wasps' second team last season and has been ear-marked for his leadership skills by coach Warren Gatland.

He gets a first chance to show what he can do in charge with Lawrence Dallaglio among a host of players rested.

They include Brighton-born outside half Alex King, who starts the match on the bench.

Hart said: "There have been some great names who have led Wasps and I'm honoured that Warren has given me this opportunity."

The former England age group cap can also play No. 8 and came through the colts set-up at Haywards Heath before graduating to Wasps under-21s, with whom he won national championship honours at Twickenham two years ago.

David Tibbott, one of his Sussex-based colleagues in that Wasps side who is now at National One outfit Henley, said: "For a 22-year-old to be captaining Wasps in Europe is fantastic."