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New England head coach Eddie Jones has been dealt the blow that Saracens winger Chris Ashton will miss the entire Six Nation’s campaign after being handed a ten week ban.
The 28 year old had only just been recalled to the international line-up after an 18 month absence from the England set-up.
The Saracens winger was cited for making contact with the eyes of Ulster’s Luke Marshall in a European Champions Cup game, and England, who begin their campaign with a trip to Scotland on 6 February, will have to make do without the winger.
Former England skipper Will Carling said; “It’s a huge blow to Chris Ashton.
“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.”
But the judicial officer who ruled on the case initially handed Ashton a 13 week ban, but after good conduct, the verdict was reduced to ten weeks.
It’s safe to that the ban will be a blow to Jones, England, and, or course, Ashton himself. The winger had worked hard to get back into the England set-up after falling out of favour with the former head coach Stuart Lancaster.
Despite the ban, Ashton has the right to appeal, and although the challenge was considered reckless, it wasn’t deemed malicious.
But, for now at least, Jones will need to find a replacement ahead of next month’s opener in Scotland.
