Sale reveal Ashton return date

Sale have given an update on Chris Ashton following the calf injury which he sustained in England’s 35-15 November Test win against Japan.

The 31-year-old missed England’s match against Australia as a result, with forwards coach Steve Borthwick saying he’d be out for “a couple of weeks”.

But now Sale have confirmed Ashton will make his return this weekend.

He is named comes at fullback for Sunday’s visit to Bath Rugby in the Gallagher Premiership.

It will be the England international’s first appearance for the club in the Premiership, after a seven week suspension following his red card during Sale’s pre-season fixture against Castres Olympique on Friday 17 August.

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Watch: Chris Ashton speaks about life back in the England camp

Ashton has already made his debut, which was in the European Challenge Cup against Connacht, when he scored a hat-trick in a 34-13 win.

The versitile Ashton has been in good form since his return as is rated as the world’s 16th best winger in the RPI rankings with a score of 81.

Lined up for his 100th appearance for the club is second row Josh Beaumont. Byron McGuigan and Josh Strauss also return from duty with Scotland.

Looking ahead to the game, Sharks’ Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said, “It was good to get a win against Northampton, who are playing well, but a fixture down at The Rec. is always difficult. They have a passionate crowd, and we hope to come away with something to show for our efforts.”

Sale Sharks: 15.Chris Ashton; 14.Denny Solomona, 13.Sam James, 12.James O’Connor, 11.Byron McGuigan; 10.Rob du Preez, 9.Faf de Klerk; 1.Ross Harrison, 2.Rob Webber, 3.WillGriff John, 4.Josh Beaumont, 5.James Phillips, 6.Jono Ross (capt.), 7.Ben Curry, 8.Jean-Luc du Preez.

Replacements: 16.Curtis Langdon, 17.Tom Bristow, 18.James Jones, 19.Andrei Ostrikov, 20.Bryn Evans, 21.Will Cliff, 22.Luke James, 23.Josh Strauss

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