Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Rugby World Cup 2019: Chris Ashton pulls out of England squad due to ‘family reasons’
Ashton’s hopes of going to Japan 2019 appear to be over after he could not commit to England’s training camp schedule while he and wife Melissa are expecting their second child
The Sale Sharks wing, 32, was named in Jones’ 29-man preliminary squad earlier in the week having not been a part of the Premiership semi-finals, with players joining up at their Bagshot training base on Sunday for the first five-day camp.
But the RFU announced that Ashton has informed them that he will not be able to take up his place in the squad due to his wife Melissa’s pregnancy, having taken the decision that he cannot be away for long periods of time while they are expecting their second child.
Furthermore, Ashton thanked Jones for giving him an England recall earlier in the season after appearing to end his England career in 2016 that preceded his move to Toulon – a statement that combined with his inability to commit to the squad’s preparations likely to rule him out of selection as Jones wants the full three-month period to work with his players.
“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,” Ashton said in an RFU statement.
Six Nations Team of the Tournament
Show all 24
“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.
“In the meantime I wish Owen and the boys all the very best with their preparation over the coming months.”
Register for free to continue reading
Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism
By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists
Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism
By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists
Join our new commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies