IRB Rugby World Cup
Chris Ashton axed as Stuart Lancaster trims England's World Cup squad
ESPN Staff
August 7, 2015
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Chris Ashton's World Cup dream is over as Stuart Lancaster trimmed his England training squad to 39.

Saracens' Ashton, who has scored 19 tries in 39 matches - he is the leading Test-try scorer available to the England head coach - is the highest-profile casualty. Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints), Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby), Matt Kvesic (Gloucester Rugby), Matt Mullan (Wasps), Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby) and Marlard Yarde (Harlequins) are also heading back to their clubs.

"We had a great two-week camp in Denver where the entire squad worked extremely hard and were exceptional in the way they went about the training," Lancaster said.

"That has continued this week and competition for places has been very intense.

"It has been difficult to narrow down the squad as everyone has contributed and given their all. But what I have said to those guys who are not coming back in on Sunday is that the door is not closed by any means.

"They are only an injury away and there is a lot of international rugby to be played this season, culminating in a three-Test tour to Australia.

"Overall we are in good shape. Both Nick Easter and Ben Morgan are now fit and we want to give them both opportunities to train fully and prove their form and fitness next week."

© ESPN Staff

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