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Video - England have ceased all communications with Chris Ashton
By Nick Heath
Toulon wing Chris Ashton has spoken to RugbyPass about how he is “out of the loop completely” when it comes to any consideration of a next England cap under Eddie Jones.
Ashton last played for England in June 2014 against New Zealand in Hamilton but this weekend he will line up against Eddie Jones’ side hoping to be on the winning side with the Barbarians.
Ashton said, “I was always battling to try and get back in while I was here, that’s why I took the decision to go [to France] but I’d like to think the door’s never shut and if I wanted to come back to England, I’d be able to have a shot at it. I like to think it’s not over, I’ve only just turned 31 so there’s time left yet.”
When asked if he contemplates Jones’ potential interest in his record try scoring exploits in the Top 14, Ashton smiles, “No, not really. Life’s too short I think.”
Ahead of Sunday’s clash at Twickenham, Ashton says the nature of the game will decide on whether fans might catch a glimpse of the “Ash splash”.
Ashton continued, “I’m the only Englishman in the team so it adds a bit of spice to it. I’ve always enjoyed my time at Twickenham and playing for England so I hope it brings back some happy memories.”
Last month the former England wing made history by scoring his 22nd try of an outstanding first campaign in France. The ex-Saracens flyer bettered Napolioni Nalaga’s long-standing tally, and went on to score two more before the end of the season.
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Latest Comments
Agree with Wilson B- at best. And that is down to skilled individual players who know how to play the game - not a cohesive squad who know their roles and game plan. For those who claim that takes time to develop, the process is to keep the game plan simple at first and add layers as the squad gels and settles in to the new systems. Lack of progress against the rush D, lack of penetration and innovation in the mid-field, basic skill errors and loose forwards coming second in most big games all still evident in game 14 of the season. Hard to see significant measureable progress.
Go to commentsKeep telling yourself that. The time for a fresh broom is at the beginning - not some "balanced, incremental" (i.e. status quo) transition. All teams establish the way forward at the beginning. This coaching group lacked ideas and courage and the players showed it on the pitch. Backs are only average. Forwards are unbalanced and show good set piece but no domination in traditional AB open play. Unfortunately, Foster - Mark 2. You may be happy with those performances and have some belief in some "cunning plan" but I don't see any evidence of it. Rassie is miles ahead and increasing the gap.
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