adminChris Ashton will miss England’s entire Six Nations campaign after being handed a 10-week ban that ends on March 28.
The Saracens winger, 28, had just been recalled to the England squad, 18 months after his last appearance.
Ashton was cited for making contact with the eyes of Ulster’s Luke Marshall in a European Champions Cup game.
England, now coached by Australian, Eddie Jones, begin their Six Nations campaign in Scotland on February 6, ending it on March 19 in France.
Ashton, who has 39 caps, has the right to appeal against the decision.
“It’s a huge blow to Chris Ashton,” former England skipper Will Carling told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“He’s worked incredibly hard to get back. When he first appeared, he was outstanding and it would’ve been great to see him back.
“It’s very sad he won’t be there and I’m sure Eddie Jones will be frustrated.”
According to the judicial officer who ruled on the case, Ashton committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card.
The official determined that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby’s sanctions and selected a 12-week ban.
He then added one week as a deterrent, according to World Rugby guidelines regarding offences of this nature, before reducing the sanction by three weeks due to Ashton’s good character and good conduct.
Given how hard he has worked to get back into the international fold, this ban will be a devastating blow for Ashton, who is desperate to resume his England career after falling out of favour under Stuart Lancaster.
Although Ashton’s challenge could be considered reckless, it is not malicious and it seems almost certain Ashton will appeal.
However, as things stand, England boss Eddie Jones will be without the Saracens wing and will need to call up a replacement.
Meanwhile, Sonny Bill Williams is set to be unleashed onto the Sevens circuit after he was named in a 22-man New Zealand squad for the January 30/31 Wellington leg of the World Series.
With New Zealand having finished fourth in Dubai and having reached the plate semi-final in Cape Town, they will be expected to put on a far better showing in front of their home supporters.
Williams has expressed his desire to be a part of the sevens side that travels to the Olympic Games this year.
Liam Messam, meanwhile, was unavailable due to his commitments in Japan.
The 22-man squad will be cut to 12 a week before the tournament, but Williams is almost certain of his place.— BBC.
Online Reporter