Tuesday 24 May 2016 22:03, UK
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall has revealed Chris Ashton was omitted from the England Saxons squad after consultations with England head coach Eddie Jones.
Sarries wing Ashton did not feature in the 27-man Saxons squad when it was announced on Monday.
It was claimed he had rejected the chance to tour South Africa with the Saxons due to his disappointment at being overlooked by Jones for England's three-Test tour of Australia this summer, and as a result he had placed his international future in doubt.
However, McCall has said Ashton, 29, turned down a Saxons tour place on the grounds that his partner is due to give birth to their first child this summer and he had spoken to Jones about his decision.
"Obviously it was disappointing that Chris didn't get selected for Australia because he's done well for us since he's come back from his suspension," McCall said.
"Eddie showed him a little bit of understanding as well, same as he did in the Joe Marler case. As far as I know the decision was made in conjunction with Eddie.
"Chris went through a lot in that 10-week period and has played really well since he's come back.
"His wife is expecting and is due to give birth towards the end of June, so for all sorts of reasons Chris' head wouldn't have been in the right place, so it was probably best that he didn't go."
McCall is also certain Ashton still has an international future, as he added: "Chris is playing too well and is too young and hungry for this to be the end of his England career.
"Eddie has shown he is prepared to give people second chances and that they can change his mind quickly. Consistent form will hopefully get him back in there."
The 27-man Saxons squad, which will be coached by Exeter Chiefs assistant Ali Hepher, still includes seven internationals in Danny Cipriani, Kieran Brookes, Dave Attwood, Matt Kvesic, Christian Wade, Semesa Rokoduguni and Luther Burrell.
Wasps wing Wade is hoping to impress in the absence of Ashton, with an eye on earning promotion to the senior squad both in the short and long term.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: "Obviously if someone gets injured it will probably be an easy transfer to go from South Africa to Australia.
"We obviously have the autumn internationals coming up - the boys are all competing for that where it's going to be a new squad that's going to be picked.
"This is a prime example of the boys being able to put their hands up and show what they can do - catching the eyes of Eddie Jones and the other coaching staff."
