Two of the four sides contesting the Premiership semi-finals have been blighted by player availability problems for this weekend’s fixtures, with Leicester’s Chris Ashton and Northampton’s Sam Matavesi both missing out for their clubs.
Ashton has been left out of Leicester’s squad to face Sale on Sunday after his disciplinary hearing for a red card was not scheduled until Thursday. His red card, for a dangerous tackle on Cadan Murley, was rescinded after a lengthy hearing but Leicester are understood to be frustrated it did not take place earlier in the week. As it was, the Tigers did not know if Ashton would be available until less than 48 hours before kick-off and, ultimately, he has been omitted from the squad.
