Ashton defends Cipriani decision

"I thought his behaviour was inappropriate for an international rugby player"
England coach Brian Ashton

England coach Brian Ashton has insisted he was right to drop Wasps fly-half Danny Cipriani for Saturday's RBS Six Nations game against Scotland.

Ashton was accused of a heavy-handed reaction for axing Cipriani after he was seen leaving a nightclub in the early hours of Thursday morning.

"I spoke to Danny and am comfortable with what I said to him," said Ashton.

"I don't think I am a draconian coach despite what some people have said about me in the last 24 hours."

Cipriani, regarded as one of the finest young talents in the sport, was due to make his first Test start following two England appearances off the bench.

But the 20-year-old has not travelled to Edinburgh and will be replaced at full-back by Gloucester's Iain Balshaw.

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"It was my decision alone," Ashton added.

"I didn't consider any other form of action. I thought his behaviour was inappropriate for an international rugby player."

Wasps rugby director Ian McGeechan and coach Shaun Edwards were among those to hit out at Ashton over his hard-line stance.

But Ashton explained: "I respect everyone's opinion. It just happens I am the man in charge and I make the decisions - someone has to.

"I had two conversations with Ian McGeechan on Thursday. I respect his opinion.

"I expressed my thoughts, and that was it. Ian has got his job to do, and I have got my job to do."

Cipriani has apologised for his actions, although he has insisted he was passing match tickets to a friend and was only in the club for a matter of minutes.

Ashton also stressed that Cipriani's future international prospects would not be damaged by the incident, with the fly-half linking up with the England squad on Monday.

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