Ashton: It was my decision
England boss Brian Ashton has defended his decision to drop Danny Cipriani for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash against Scotland at Murrayfield.
Ashton confirmed he alone made the call to leave out the 20-year-old Wasps prospect after he was pictured leaving a London nightclub after midnight on Thursday.
"It was my decision alone," he said. "I thought his behaviour was inappropriate for an international rugby player. I didn't consider any other form of action."
He added: "I have spoken to Danny and I am very comfortable with what I said to him. He will be back in camp on Monday morning."
Ashton has been criticised in several quarters for his hard-line stance, but he added: "I don't think I am a Draconian coach at all, despite what some people have said about me in the last 24 hours.
"I respect everyone's opinion. It just happens I am the man in charge and I make the decisions - someone has to."
