Ashton back on top of the world
CHRIS ASHTON was thrown a World Cup lifeline when Eddie Jones called him out of the international wilderness yesterday.
The winger (left) was named in a 44-man party for a three-day training camp in Teddington today. Ashton looked to have burned his bridges with England when he signed for Toulon last season, because players can’t be picked if they play outside the Premiership. But he has moved to Sale for the new Premiership campaign and now has a tilt at Japan 2019. Ashton, 31, has not played for England since the 2014 summer tour to New Zealand, when he won the last of his 39 caps. He was in Jones’ first squad in January 2016 when he was at Saracens but bans for gouging and biting put him out of the frame.
Record
He refused to go on England’s Saxons tour to South Africa later that year before moving to France, where he broke the record for Top 14 tries in a season, scoring 24 times.
Jones said: “He has come back because he wants to play for England so he has the right desire. He sees this as his last chance so we’re very pleased and we are looking forward to what he can bring to the table.”
The Aussie coach hopes injuryplagued Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi can also make a comeback, having played just 16 minutes for England since he took over in December 2015.
Jones said: “We would love to see him back at his best playing with that aggression and skill.”
Billy Vunipola misses out after breaking his arm but Dylan Hartley is back after concussion and South African-born Saracens forward Michael Rhodes is included after qualifying through residency.