England head coach Eddie Jones has told Chris Ashton he must accept responsibility for the ban that has ruled him out of the entire RBS 6 Nations.
Saracens are deciding whether to appeal the 10-week suspension incurred for making contact with the eye or eye area of Ulster centre Luke Marshall in the first half of Saturday’s 33-17 Champions Cup victory.
The 28-year-old grabbed Marshall around the neck and pulled him to the ground with his hands sliding over the Ireland centre’s face. Marshall complained about the contact and upon reviewing the incident referee Jerome Garces awarded a penalty.
EXCLUSIVE: Eddie gives us the lowdown on Jonny Wilkinson, George Smith and Chris Ashton.
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— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) January 20, 2016The citing officer subsequently lodged a complaint that has been upheld by an independent disciplinary hearing and Saracens have 72 hours until after the written judgement is received to decide whether to lodge an appeal.
“Chris has got to take responsibility for it. Is the suspension too hard? No. That’s the suspension he’s got. One-hundred per cent the onus is on him to make sure he doesn’t get into that position,” Jones said.
“But I am disappointed for him. He was a player in our squad. He’s been playing well this season and it looks like he has been working hard. He’s got that enthusiasm to get the ball and has been one of the form players in the Premiership.
“He has a real sniff for the try line and that is a skill in itself. It’s a set-back. Everyone has set-backs and it’s about how hard he fights back now. He has to serve his time, come back, make sure he is looking after his fitness, his speed and his skills and make sure he comes back in good fettle.
“If he is back on the field and playing well then he will be available for selection again. I’m very disappointed for him and disappointed for the team, but we move on.”
Jones will announce Ashton’s replacement in the Elite Player Squad only once the appeal process is completed.
It is a savage blow for Ashton, who had fought his way back into the England squad after falling out of favour under the previous regime because of his perceived defensive frailties.
He has spent the previous 18 months in international exile but had been earmarked to start on the right wing against Scotland on February 6 and his absence robs England of their deadliest finisher, who has crossed 19 times in 39 Tests.
