Ashton eye gouge appeal date set

London - Saracens and England wing Chris Ashton will have his appeal against a 10-week ban for making contact with the eye area of Ulster's Luke Marshall considered by a hearing in London on Wednesday, European Champions Cup organisers announced Thursday.

Because rugby union suspensions apply across all competitions, Ashton's ban means he is currently ruled out of England's entire upcoming Six Nations campaign, having been chosen in new coach Eddie Jones's initial squad.

Ashton was banned after being found guilty of making contact with the eye area of Marshall in London club Saracens' home Champions Cup victory on January 16.

The appeal will be heard on February 3 by an independent appeal committee comprising of Lorne Crerar (Scotland), chairman, Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Roger Morris (Wales).

England begin their Six Nations campaign away to Scotland at Murrayfield three days later on February 6.