Six Nations 2016: Chris Ashton readies for Champions Cup after lost England appeal

Winger 'incredibly disappointed' after being ruled out of Six Nations

Saracens and England wing Chris Ashton (Getty Images)

Chris Ashton says he is “incredibly disappointed” after an independent committee decided not to allow an appeal against a 10-week suspension that rules him out of the Six Nations.

The Saracens wing was banned after being cited for making contact with an opponent’s eye during a European Champions Cup match between Saracens and Ulster last month.

This season’s Six Nations ends on 19 March, nine days before Ashton can play again, but he will be available for Saracens’ Champions Cup quarter-final against Northampton on 9 April.

Ashton said: “I am incredibly disappointed with today’s decision, but I now plan to look ahead to the rest of the season and work as hard as I can during my ban.

“I vehemently maintain that I have never made an attempt to intentionally make contact with the eye area of any other player.

“To miss out on the chance to represent my country and Saracens during this period is extremely disappointing, but the judgement stands and it is one that I will respect and accept.”

Ashton pulled Ulster’s Luke Marshall to the ground with his left arm in the first half of the game, while also grabbing the Ireland international’s face with his right hand.

The judicial officer viewed the tackle as a red-card offence that exposed Marshall to the risk of serious injury, but Saracens contended that 10 weeks was too severe a punishment for the incident.

Saracens’ rugby director, Mark McCall, said the club were also disappointed with the decision. “Chris plans to work hard during this enforced time away to ensure that after his suspension he can perform well for Saracens and help the club to a successful season,” McCall said.

Bath’s Anthony Watson and Exeter’s Jack Nowell are the wings chosen by the England head coach, Eddie Jones, to start in Edinburgh.