Ashton replaces injured Tuilagi on England bench

Chris Ashton has been named as a late replacement for England’s first November Test against South Africa after the injury-prone Manu Tuilagi was ruled out.

Ashton was initially omitted for Saturday’s showdown at Twickenham, but the wing could yet win his first cap for four years from the bench.

Centre Tuilagi will not feature against the Springboks due to a groin injury.

The Leicester Tigers powerhouse has been beset by injury problems and will have to wait for a first Test appearance in over two years.

Ashton scored a hat-trick on his Sale Sharks debut in a European Challenge Cup win over Connacht.

The flyer returned to his homeland to put himself back in contention for an international call-up after one outstanding season with Toulon.

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