Chris Ashton and Sale Sharks are preparing for a potential disciplinary sanction after the wing was sent off for fighting in a pre-season friendly in France.
The incident happened in a pre-season fixture in south-west France in Friday night’s 20-17 win for Sale over Castres, but the normal Rugby Football Union procedures apply.
Ashton is awaiting referee Romain Poite’s report, expected to be delivered to the RFU by Monday, and could be punished after his dismissal for an altercation with Rory Kockott.
Sharks tough it out to beat French champs!Full Time: Castres Olympique 17-20 Sale Sharks ???
Read the full match report here ? https://t.co/ePCPJQ08PX pic.twitter.com/YLvKvENWpe
— Sale Sharks? (@SaleSharksRugby) August 18, 2018
The match report on Sale’s official website detailed the incident, saying: “Another mass ‘gathering’ on 46 minutes was concluded by the dismissals of Chris Ashton and Rory Kockott, seemingly for fighting.”
Sale’s Alexandru Tarus was also sent off, for diving into a ruck head first, Sharks’ report said.
Sale’s Gallagher Premiership campaign begins on September 1 at Harlequins.
Welcome to the #SharksFamily @ChrisAshton1! ?
Read more here ?https://t.co/Q2vONXZLZP pic.twitter.com/AEDMPm90nL
— Sale Sharks? (@SaleSharksRugby) July 3, 2018
Ashton has 39 caps and 19 tries, but has not played for England since 2014. His last Test call-up in 2016 was ruined by bans for biting and gouging.
The former Wigan rugby league, Northampton and Saracens wing joined Toulon for the 2017/18 season, but requested an early release from his contract, signed for Sale and is now eligible for England again.
The 31-year-old was called up by England boss Eddie Jones for a training camp earlier this month.
