Ban rules Chris Ashton out of Fiji clash

Saracens full-back Chris Ashton has been ruled out of England's opening QBE autumn international against Fiji through suspension.

The 25-year-old was banned by a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel after being cited for a dangerous tackle on Northampton Saints winger Vasily Artemyev.

The citing has gone down on Ashton's record as a yellow card - his third of the season for dangerous play.

"We are concerned about his tackling technique and encouraged that he and his coaches work to correct it," said disciplinary panel chairman Judge Jeff Blackett.

Ashton's one-week ban begins on November 4.

Written by
Robert Summerscales