Chris Ashton pulls out from England's World Cup training squad citing personal reasons

Sale Sharks winger Chris Ashton has pulled out of England's World Cup training squad due to personal reasons.

The 32-year-old has decided to stay with his wife Melissa as they are expecting their second child.

The 6ft fullback was handed an England lifeline following his return from French club Toulon to Sale Sharks ahead of the 2018/19 season and featured in autumn series for the red rose team last year and the Six Nations 2019 tournament.

Ashton has overall featured in 44 Tests for England in which he has scored 20 tries with six out of it coming during the 2011 World Cup.

“When I returned from Toulon last season it was for two reasons; firstly for my family and secondly to try and realise the dream of playing for England again," he told in a statement released by Rugby Football Union.

“Pulling on the white shirt is always special and I’m grateful to Eddie for giving me the opportunity to have done so again.

“My wife, Melissa, is pregnant with our second child and I don’t feel it is right for me to commit to being away in camp at this stage.

“In the meantime I wish Owen and the boys all the very best with their preparation over the coming months.”

England will play home and away fixtures against Wales before taking on Ireland and Italy as a part of their preparation for the Rugby World Cup later this year.