Ashton's ban appeal rejected

Ashton's suspension therefore remains in place and he is free to play on Monday, March 28.

The appeal committee consisting of Lorne Crerar (Scotland), Chairman Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Roger Morris (Wales), heard the player's appeal in London yesterday before adjourning to give the matter further consideration.

At last month's disciplinary hearing, the independent Judicial Officer, Jean-Noel Couraud (France), found that Ashton had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card in that the player had made contact with the eye(s) and/or eye area of the Ulster Rugby centre, Luke Marshall, during his club's European Rugby Champions Cup Round Five match at Allianz Park on January 16.