Chris Ashton's appeal against 10-week ban rejected by appeal committee

Saracens winger Chris Ashton has lost his appeal against a 10-week ban, meaning that he will miss England's Six Nations campaign.

The 28-year-old was cited in January for allegedly eye-gouging Luke Marshall.

The incident occurred during a European Champions Cup match between Saracens and Ulster at Allianz Park.

Ashton, who joined Saracens from Northampton in 2012, appealed the sanction, but after a hearing on Wednesday, an independent committee opted to uphold the suspension.

The winger will not be eligible to play again until March 28.