Chris Ashton’s boss does not think his England career is over after Saxons South Africa rejection
But the Saracens winger looks to have kissed goodbye to his chances of making Eddie Jones' Red Rose squad anytime soon
CHRIS ASHTON'S boss does not think his England career is over after his Saxons snub.
The Saracens winger looks to have kissed goodbye to his chances of making Eddie Jones' Red Rose squad anytime soon after turning his back on playing for their back-up side.
Ashton was over-looked for England's tour of Australia next month and then pulled out of the Saxons tour to South Africa - which runs at the same time.
But Saracens chief Mark McCall believes it is not the end of the road for the 39-capped back after he turned down his country.
When asked if this was game over for Ashton in an international shirt, McCall said: "No. I think he's playing too well and is too young and hungry for that.
"Eddie has shown he is prepared to give people second chances and they can change his mind quickly. From and consistent form will hopefully get him back in there.
"I had a conversation with him, a few of us did. But he is a big boy and has weighed up everything and he felt that he wouldn't have been in the right place to support the team as well as he could be. And that is a courageous decision."
McCall did say that whilst Ashton wouldn't have been in the right frame of mind to play for the reserves, he would have gone on the full tour Down Under if he made the cut.
McCall added: "I think if he had been picked for Australia he would have gone, yeah.
“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.
“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."