EDINBURGH (Reuters) - England coach Brian Ashton said it was his decision alone to drop Danny Cipriani from Saturday's team to play Scotland, saying he did not consider any other form of action.

Cipriani, 20, had been selected at fullback to start his first international but after he was photographed leaving a London nightclub in the early hours of Thursday morning, Ashton dropped him and restored Iain Balshaw.

"It was my decision alone," Ashton told a news conference a day before the Six Nations clash at Murrayfield.

"I thought his behaviour was inappropriate for an international rugby player. I didn't consider any other form of action.

"I have spoken to Danny and I am very comfortable with what I said to him. He will be back in camp on Monday morning."

Cipriani told The Sun newspaper: "I am totally heartbroken not to be now taking part in the match.

"I have already learnt an extremely painful lesson for one brief moment of naivety. I have made a mistake and I am truly sorry. But at least I have not done something - I hope - that people in the game can't forgive me for.

"At no time did I drink any alcohol or do something silly like get into a fight or any form of trouble whatsoever. I never intended to compromise my fitness regime and was tucked up in bed shortly after.

"That doesn't excuse the fact I shouldn't have been there in the first place but at least it shows I was not trying to behave recklessly or unprofessionally.

"All I can do now is try to win my place back as playing for England is the greatest honour."

Cipriani has now been named on the bench for Wasps' Premiership match with Harlequins on Sunday and club officials and team mates have given him their support.

Director of rugby Ian McGeechan, coach Shaun Edwards and former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio all said they thought the punishment was too harsh.

"I'm flabbergasted, disgusted," Edwards, also assistant Wales coach, told Sky Sports News.

"I couldn't believe it that he can get dropped for doing something that a 20-year-old does. The guy doesn't drink. He's the most dedicated kid you could ever come across. He spends hours and hours on his game."

McGeechan and Dallaglio both said Cipriani had at worst been naive.

Ashton, however, was unfazed. "I respect everyone's opinion. It just happens I am the man in charge and I make the decisions - someone has to," said the former teacher.

"I don't think I am a Draconian coach at all, despite what some people have said about me in the last 24 hours."

(Writing by Mitch Phillips, editing by Miles Evans)