England’s Chris Ashton to miss Six Nations after landing gouging ban

Saracens winger Chris Ashton has been ruled out of England’s entire RBS Six Nations campaign after being handed a 10-week suspension.

Prolific try-scorer Ashton, who won the last of his 39 England caps in New Zealand more than 18 months ago, has been widely backed to make the starting line-up for new coach Eddie Jones’ first game in charge.

But Ashton has been banned from playing until March 28 following an independent disciplinary hearing in London yesterday.