CHRIS ASHTON HAS all but ended his hopes of playing at this year’s World Cup in Japan by withdrawing from England’s training squad due to his wife’s pregnancy.
A statement issued by England’s governing Rugby Football Union on Sunday said coach Eddie Jones would not call up a replacement for the 32-year-old wing, whose last England appearance came during a Six Nations international against France at Twickenham in February.
Ashton, who came back to English club rugby at the end of last season after a stint in France, said in that RFU statement: “When I returned from Toulon last season it was for two reasons — firstly for my family and secondly to try and realise the dream of playing for England again.
“Pulling on the white shirt is always special and I’m grateful to Eddie for giving me the opportunity to have done so again.
“My wife, Melissa, is pregnant with our second child and I don’t feel it is right for me to commit to being away in camp at this stage,” explained Ashton, who who has scored 20 tries in 44 Tests.
The powerful flyer, who played alongside England captain Owen Farrell at Saracens, added: “In the meantime I wish Owen and the boys all the very best with their preparation over the coming months.”
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Refreshing to be honest. Got to respect a guy who puts his family first.
I suspect there’s more behind this decision. He’s 32 – so unlikely to feature at another world cup – plus considering how England demolished the 2nd ranked team in the world in the 6 Nations, you’d have to rank them as amongst pre-tournament favourites. Loss for England – gain for us.
@Juniper: Hon De pool
I don’t know the exact details here but something doesn’t add up. The England camp would always allow for somebody’s personal circumstances like birth of a child. Either there is complications (hopefully not and all the best) or he’s had a falling out with somebody which is prob quite likely given his personality/past.
@Andy Dwyer: Quick question when you say it’s likely he’s had a falling out with someone given his personality/past I’m guessing you know the guy personally and aren’t just basing that on what you see on tv. Because by all accounts he’s a lovely fella off the field. He should be commended for supporting his wife rather than have people jump to conclusions.
@Eddie Hekenui: Ashton said on a podcast recently enough that Eddie Jones wasn’t in contact with him and that he got the impression he was being dropped. This may not have anything to do with him withdrawing from the squad but it’s interesting to note
@Sam Ahern: Fair play to him but I’d say he’s got the impression from Eddie that he’s only making up the numbers being involved in the extended squad.
Or maybe he’s pulling out of camp to look after his pregnant wife like he says he is.
@Eddie Hekenui: I don’t mean to questions his motives, he seems to be really decent guy and to withdraw from the camp for his wife even if he was just making the numbers says a lot about his character
He’s a great player and I’m gutted he won’t be there.
A real family man and you have to admire his stance.
When he came back from France it was all over the place he came back to play in the World Cup:: his wife getting pregnant is something you plan for normally. We all knew when the pre WC sessions were going to start and no doubt he knew ::
My opinion was that he felt he was only in for the numbers and he would much more want to be with his family, then taking that chance.
But this is a Rugby Page so we make some crazy interpations and this is only IMO
so don’t give out to me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!