Ashton won't consider big guns

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All three clubs are involved in European finals the weekend before England tackle South Africa in Bloemfontein.

Ashton revealed the reasons for his decison, saying: "Firstly, The players will not have time to prepare and acclimatise for the first Test match; secondly, after their massive efforts spent in reaching the Heineken and European Challenge Cup finals, it gives this group of players the opportunity to recharge their batteries before meeting up again for the World Cup warm-up camps, which start on June 25."

He added: "Finally, I also feel very strongly that the players I will select for the touring squad must be trusted and respected to fulfil the two fixtures against South Africa."

Leicester and Wasps clash in the first all-English Heineken Cup final on May 20, while Bath meet European Challenge Cup opponents Clermont Auvergne the previous evening.

Including injured players like Mike Tindall, Tim Payne and Olly Morgan, it means Ashton being without more than 30 internationals for the two-week tour, which also features an appointment with the Springboks in Pretoria on June 2.

Ashton could have flown out some of the first Test absentees for Pretoria, but he has decided against it.

England, therefore, will head for their base camp in Johannesburg on May 15 without established names such as Phil Vickery, Martin Corry, Joe Worsley, Julian White, Steve Borthwick, Lewis Moody, Harry Ellis, Josh Lewsey and Danny Grewcock, while there is also now no immediate prospect of Wasps skipper Lawrence Dallaglio gaining an international recall.

The tour squad will be announced at Twickenham next Tuesday.