England chief Ashton has fired the imagination with a 33-man Six Nations squad comprising uncapped talent, seasoned quality and a captain worthy of his nickname Raging Bull.

But London Irish captain Catt believes Ashton also showed his tough side by ditching several big-name stars to the A-team squad and showing others the door.

Catt said: “It is up to the players to perform under this new regime.

“It will be about taking responsibility for our displays. Brian has shaken up the squad, leaving a number of guys pretty disappointed.

“Brian has also said that the door remains open to everyone, but it is time to learn from past mistakes and make a fresh start.”

Catt, at 35 the oldest of the 13 World Cup winners in Ashton’s senior squad, is also the most experienced, winning the first of 67 caps back in 1994.