Ashton appeal hearing set for Wednesday 3rd

Saracens' appeal against the 10-week suspension imposed on England wing Chris Ashton will be heard in London on Wednesday, February 3.

Ashton was banned after being found guilty of making contact with the eye area of Ulster's Luke Marshall during Saracens' Champions Cup victory at Allianz Park on January 16.

Ashton's current suspension - which Saracens are hoping to reduce the length of - overruns with the entirety of the 2016 RBS 6 Nations tournament and, if upheld, would exclude the 39-capped winger from any participation with England.

The appeal will be heard on February 3 by an independent appeal committee comprising of Lorne Crerar (Scotland), chairman, Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Roger Morris (Wales).