Wasps coach criticises Ashton over Cipriani axing

ENGLAND coach Brian Ashton has been accused of over-reacting after axing Danny Cipriani from the team to play Scotland for disciplinary reasons.

Cipriani was due to make his first Test start at Murrayfield tomorrow but did not even travel with the England squad as punishment for what the RFU termed “inappropriate behaviour”.

Ashton took exception to the 20-year-old being photographed leaving a London nightclub at around 12.30am yesterday and took swift action. Cipriani has been replaced in the England team by Gloucester’s Iain Balshaw, with Sale Sharks flyhalf Charlie Hodgson joining the replacements.

Ashton explained: “I’ve taken the decision regarding Danny and the matter is now closed. I will keep an open mind on selecting him for future games.”

But Ian McGeechan, Cipriani’s boss at Wasps, strongly criticised Ashton’s decision, labelling it disproportionate.

“Danny was pictured outside a nightclub last night, where he had gone in to see a friend. He did not stay inside the nightclub for any length of time and he was not drinking. He was, at worst, naive in his actions but no more than that.

The RFU said no further disciplinary action would be taken.

Former England coach Dick Best said he hoped Cipriani would be restored for the final Six Nations game against Ireland.