Ashton: Door is open for Dallaglio

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The 35-year-old Wasps man, who is reportedly close to announcing his international retirement, was scathing towards Ashton and the rest of the coaching set-up at this year's World Cup in his recent autobiography.

But Ashton told the Sunday Mirror: "I never have been and never will be a vindictive man, If I think a player is the best in that position, or the best servant for England in that position, then he will get selected - it is that simple."

He added: "You cannot operate selection by saying, 'I am not going to pick him or him'. You can't operate like that.

"I didn't like the criticism but, to be honest, it just washed over me. It didn't affect me at all.

"So my message to everyone is that the door is open unless you have retired from international rugby."

Dallaglio, who has won 85 caps, side-stepped questions last night about hanging up his boots after Wasps' match against Gloucester and told Sky Sports: "I'm keeping my powder dry just a little bit longer. I'm not retiring just yet."