Ashton will have to leave another ten players at home when he decides on his final 30 for the World Cup, which takes place in France during September and October.

“I’ve taken the decision to reduce the squad now because I’ve had a good look at everybody in the training camp and it’s important that we spend more time giving consideration to those who will make the 22 for the first of our warm up games against Wales on August 4th, France on the 11th and the 30 man RWC squad to be announced on August 14th,” said Ashton.

“I am considering a further cut of players at the end of next week’s training but at this stage I’m not going to comment on who or how many as I haven’t made those decisions yet.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle Falcons’ big overseas signing for next season, Carl Hayman, will be in action for New Zealand as they host South Africa on Saturday in the Tri-Nations.

Hayman will link up with the Falcons in December after the culmination of the Rugby World Cup.