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Rugby Union

Clubs snub Ashton request for rest

16/02/2007

Several English rugby union clubs have ignored Brian Ashton's request that they rest international first team players this weekend.

The England head coach named his starting line-up for next weekend's match against Ireland early so that he could indicate to Premiership clubs exactly which players he would like rested on the off-weekend in the Six Nations.

However, despite Ashton's plea, seven of his starting XV and all seven replacements in his squad of 22 have been named in club teams for Guinness Premiership action this weekend.

Josh Lewsey and Joe Worsley will both line up for Wasps against Sale Sharks, who have also picked Jason Robinson as captain and Magnus Lund.

Saracens have selected Andy Farrell in their starting line-up against Gloucester, who will play Olly Morgan against Ashton's wishes. Mike Tindall could also have played but is ruled out with a dead leg.

Danny Grewcock is the other starter from England's XV for the Ireland match – he will play alongside replacement Lee Mears in the Bath team who visit London Irish on Saturday afternoon.

The other six replacements who will sit alongside Mears on the bench at Croke Park – Julian White, Tom Palmer, Tom Rees, Shaun Perry, Toby Flood and Mathew Tait – all start for their respective clubs.

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