Wednesday Morning Round Up

Ashton banned for 13 weeks

Saracens wing Chris Ashton has been suspended for 13 weeks after he was found guilty of biting Northampton prop Alex Waller on Saturday.

"Having considered detailed evidence the panel concluded that during the course of a ruck Chris Ashton bit the arm of Alex Waller at a time that Mr Waller was attempting to clear him out. The panel concluded it was a low-end entry point aggravated by his previous record,” said the Chairman of the panel Philip Evans QC.

Ashton contested both counts, however the panel found the first charge proven but dismissed the second charge. The Saracens winger was given a 13-week ban. He is free to play again on December 19.

Goodhue commits to Crusaders

Crusaders centre, Jack Goodhue, has committed to the team until 2019 after joining last year.

He comes from Northland originally, with his twin brother Josh currently representing the province as a lock in the Mitre 10 Cup.

In 2015 Goodhue became a dual-national, representing both the All Blacks Sevens and the New Zealand Under 20 team in the World Rugby Under 20 Championship, captaining the side in one of those games.

Sherratt links up with Wales

Cardiff Blues attack and backs coach Matt Sherratt will link up with Wales during 2016’s November Series in a shared role with the region.

The 40-year-old joined Cardiff Blues from Bristol Rugby ahead of the 2016/17 season. He arrived at Bristol in 2011 from Worcester Warriors and worked alongside Cardiff Blues Head Coach Danny Wilson at the English side before linking up again with Wilson in Cardiff this season. 

Sherratt will take on the role of Backs coach with Wales, combining the role with his current position at Cardiff Blues and will join the Wales coaching team when they begin their preparations for the autumn internationals which kick off against Australia at Principality Stadium on November 5.