England wing Ashton out of key Wales clash

England wing Chris Ashton will miss the potentially title-deciding Six Nations clash away to Wales because of a calf injury, the Rugby Football Union announced Sunday.

Ashton started last week's 44-8 win over France at Twickenham and played 51 minutes before he was replaced by Jack Nowell, now the favourite to fill the gap in England coach Eddie Jones' run-on XV at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Saturday.

The RFU said Ashton would not join up with the Test squad because of a "minor calf strain" and the Sale flyer is expected to be fit for England's penultimate match of the Championship, at home to Italy on March 9.

Both England and Wales, who have each won their opening two Six Nations matches this season, are due to announce their teams on Thursday.