Eddie O'Sullivan today voiced his support for Brian Ashton amid mounting criticism of the England coach's decision to drop Danny Cipriani.

Ashton axed Cipriani after the 20-year-old Wasps star, due to make his full Test debut against Scotland on Saturday, was pictured leaving a London nightclub after midnight.

The hard-line response has been condemned by Wasps and several former players but Ireland coach O'Sullivan has backed his opposite number with England.

"Brian is the guy sitting there making the decision based on what he knows," he said.

"There's lots of talk and speculation but you can't say what Brian did was right or wrong unless you're sitting in his chair.

"You have to respect his decision. The buck stops with him and nobody should judge him because only he knows the rights and wrongs of it.

"He did what he thought was best for the team, as would any coach. Everyone will learn from it - the player involved and the team.

"Sir Clive Woodward always told me that his time as England coach taught him that when you make a mistake, you learn from it.

"That's a pretty good mantra. England, the players and Brian will learn from this and be better for it."

O'Sullivan revealed he has encountered few disciplinary problems during his near seven-year reign as Ireland coach.

"This wouldn't happen here because I check all the nightclubs!" he said.

"I've been very fortunate with the players I have - we've never had disciplinary issues.

"But they do happen sometimes, people make mistakes. I hope what I'm saying doesn't come back to bite me!"

More news from SportingLife.com