Ashton dropped for France clash

England have dropped Chris Ashton for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations opener against France in favour of uncapped Exeter wing Jack Nowell.

Ashton was selected throughout the autumn almost by default after injuries to Marland Yarde and Christian Wade limited the options available to head coach Stuart Lancaster.

But Lancaster’s patience has been exhausted and Ashton, alongside British and Irish Lions scrum-half Ben Youngs, has been omitted from a 26-man squad that will travel to Paris on Thursday night.

The uncapped Nowell will start on the right wing with Jonny May of Gloucester, who has made only one Test appearance, earmarked for the left flank.

“We have been pleased with the form of Chris Ashton recently,” Lancaster said.

“However, Jack Nowell has made great progress on the right wing and has also delivered in big games for Exeter.

“We feel it is the right time to look at another option in that position.

“Chris remains an important member of the squad and I’m sure he’ll be working hard to regain that position during the course of the Six Nations.”