Former England wing Chris Ashton didn’t hold back when asked to name the worst coach he worked under during his 16-year professional career.
Speaking to Rugby Pass, the 44-cap international—who turned out for seven different clubs during a glittering career—was candid in his assessment.
“Most difficult? Without a doubt, Eddie Jones. I didn’t know where I stood with him.”
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Ashton explained how uncertainty clouded his time under the former England boss.
“You didn’t know what was going on on what day, didn’t know what was going to happen. Especially when you were wingers or back three, you have a different way about you. You have confidence, you want to feel backed, you want to feel like you know your place, where you belong. None of that was Eddie. You hadn’t a clue where you were with Eddie.”
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. When asked about the best coach he’s worked with, Ashton was quick to praise Mark McCall, who has overseen Saracens’ dominance in the Premiership and Europe.
“The best was Mark McCall. Really good man-manager, he is in everything. Nothing goes by him. Just loves it. You think he has missed something and he doesn’t. Going back five, six, seven rucks, he would say, ‘You did this wrong’. It was on the other side of the pitch; how would he have even seen that? He just wouldn’t miss.”
“He is just a rugby brain. Nice way about him too. Would never overreact. He would always have the right thing to say at the right time, so Mark McCall was great for me.”
Ronan O’Gara: Ashton’s ultimate on-field rival
When it came to naming the toughest opponent or biggest needle merchant, one name stood out: Ronan O’Gara.
“I always had a bit of tiff with Ronan O’Gara when we faced each other. Munster were an amazing team then and even when he was with Ireland, when we were opposite each other we always had a bit of back and forth.”
Ashton even recalled one iconic encounter at Thomond Park in 2011 while playing for Northampton, when O’Gara slotted a dramatic match-winning drop goal after a staggering 41 phases.
“I was there that day; you forget the four knock-ons that were in there,” he joked.
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Four Lions Who WON’T Feature in the Test Series vs Australia
With the first Test just over a week away, the Lions coaches are narrowing down their selections — and the pressure is at boiling point.
While some players have grabbed their chances, others have faltered at the worst possible moment.
Whether it’s form, fitness, or simply being outplayed by teammates, these four big names look set to miss out when the Lions take on the Wallabies in the Test arena.
1. Fin Smith
Opportunity missed.
There was a real sense that Fin Smith needed a standout showing to stay in the mix for the No.10 jersey — especially with Owen Farrell lurking and Marcus Smith offering more versatility.
Instead, the Saints fly-half delivered two underwhelming performances. He looked nervy against Argentina and struggled to control the game against the Waratahs, forcing too much and paying the price with errors.
With Finn Russell locked in and both Farrell and Marcus Smith ahead of him, Fin’s Test hopes have likely faded.
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