Brian Ashton is far and wide considered as one of the best backs coach in world rugby. Earlier appointed as England’s attack coach, had been re-appointed as the head coach in 2006, following the departure of Andy Robinson.
Trimming his World Cup training squad from the initial 46 to 40 players on Friday, has been the biggest surprises.
The six players leaving the squadron include three backs Olly Morgan, Fraser Waters and Shane Geraghty plus three forwards Louis Deacon, Magnus Lund and Andy Hazell.
It seems to be a harsh decision in reducing the players at this stage with few days left for the World Cup warm-up game against Wales on 4th August.
Undaunted by the fact, the head coach is signaling to make another cut towards the end of the next week.
Julian White who won 44 caps for England after making his debut in 2000, was a part of the squad that won the World Cup in 2003 has also ruled himself out of contentions for England’s World Cup campaign owing to family reasons.
The International Rugby Board has announced August 14th as the cut-off date to name the final squad.
Ashton to The BBC:
“I’ve taken the decision to reduce the squad now because I’ve had a good look at everybody in the training camp. It’s important that we spend more time giving consideration to those who will make the 22 for the first of our warm-up games.”
Via: BBC
