Chris Ashton joins Leicester Tigers on short-term contract
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 01: Chris Ashton of England goes over to score a try during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on December 1, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
The 34-year-old joins Tigers from Worcester Warriors having previously represented fellow Gallagher Premiership clubs Harlequins, Sale Sharks, Saracens and Northampton Saints, as well as a season with Toulon in the French Top14 league.
Capped 44 times by England, scoring 20 tries, Ashton joins Tigers having left Worcester Warriors earlier in the season after both parties mutually agreed to end his contract.
During his year in France, he broke the record for tries scored in a single season with 24 tries in 23 appearances. Ashton is the leading try-scorer in European Champions Cup history with 40 and third on the all-time list for tries scored in Premiership Rugby with 89.
Ashton made his professional rugby league debut for Wigan Warriors as an 18-year-old, scoring two tries in his first appearance, before going on to make more than 50 appearances for the Super League club.
He represented England in rugby league on two occasions before making the switch to rugby union in 2007 and, in 2010, Ashton made his Test debut for England in the Six Nations.
Speaking about the addition of Ashton, Leicester Tigers Head Coach Steve Borthwick told the club website: “Chris is a driven, professional and competitive character, who brings with him a wealth of experience to our squad.
“As well as being one of the game's best ever finishers, Chris is also a winner and still very much has that desire to be successful.
“He is a versatile outside-back, who can play in a couple of positions and adds some important depth for us in those areas.
“I am excited to welcome him to Leicester Tigers and seeing him contribute to what we are doing at the club.”
Discussing his move to Tigers, Ashton added: “The opportunity to join this group, under Steve Borthwick, and be part of what is being built here was one that I couldn't ignore.
“Steve has been very clear with me on his expectations of anyone coming into this environment and I am excited for the chance to learn, improve and hopefully contribute to the club on and off the field.
“It is a pretty young group and I feel like I can certainly pass on my own experiences, as well as still feeling very much that I can play a part on the field to drive the team forward.”
