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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
I’m sick to death of waiting 3 years for league players to become half decent. It cripples Australian rugby in the meantime. The Reds actually looked half competent without Vunivalu not starting last week. He’s just a liability of errors. Paisami is looking better than he has in previous years but I’d have Kerevi back in a flash. A kiwi wont tho …...
Go to commentsExcellent analysis Nick as we have come to expect. I was not really aware that NFL strategies have been adopted by rugby teams, especially in defence. One point I would make is that the Northhampton attacking player on the end of the chain in the video examples has not maintained the correct depth to be effective. In the footage shown the outside player is too flat to make the best of the opportunity his inside players have provided. In each case they have to reduce speed and turn their body backwards to secure the ball, losing all momentum and giving the impressive scrambling defence the chance to shut down the threat.
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