Ashton's axing of Cipriani 'very harsh'

ENGLAND HEAD coach Brian Ashton has been accused of over-reacting after axing Danny Cipriani from the team to play Scotland for disciplinary reasons.

Cipriani, who was due to make his first Test start at Murrayfield tomorrow, did not even travel with the England squad yesterday as punishment for what the English RFU term as "inappropriate behaviour".

Ashton took exception to the 20-year-old being photographed leaving a London nightclub at around 12.30am yesterday and took swift action.

Cipriani has been replaced in the England team by Gloucester's Iain Balshaw, with Sale Sharks outhalf Charlie Hodgson joining the replacements.

Ashton explained: "I've taken the decision regarding Danny and the matter is now closed. I will keep an open mind on selecting him for future games."

But Ian McGeechan, Cipriani's boss at Wasps, strongly criticised Ashton's decision, labelling it disproportionate. McGeechan said: "Danny was pictured outside a nightclub last night, where he had gone in to see a friend.

"He did not stay inside the nightclub for any length of time and he was not drinking. He was, at worst, naive in his actions but no more than that.

"Given the circumstances, a measured response to his actions was required and I think this is a very harsh decision."

McGeechan added that Cipriani will now be considered for Wasps' English Premiership London derby against Harlequins on Sunday.

The RFU said no further disciplinary action would be taken against Cipriani, but he has been "warned and advised" about his future conduct.

Cipriani is the most exciting young player in English rugby - he has already helped Wasps win the Heineken European Cup - and he is seen as the heir apparent to Jonny Wilkinson at outhalf.