Saracens winger Chris Ashton agrees Toulon transfer that will rule him out of England selection
Saracens winger Chris Ashton looks to have called time on his England career after agreeing to join Toulon next season.
The 29-year-old international will join the French heavyweights following five successful seasons with Saracens, a move that will likely rule him out of future consideration for the Red Rose.
Ashton, who has scored 19 tries in 44 caps for England, lost his international place under former head coach Stuart Lancaster and has been unable to work his way back into Eddie Jones' team after missing the Six Nations through suspension for gouging.
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He is currently serving a separate 13 week suspension for biting Northampton prop Alex Waller last month.
With Rugby Football Union (RFU) rules preventing Jones from picking overseas based players, Ashton will be unavailable for selection as a member of Toulon's ranks of rugby superstars.
Ashton, the third-highest try scorer in European Cup history on 31, has won two Premierships and one European Champions Cup playing in the black and red.
"I'd like to put on record my thanks to Mark McCall, our chairman Nigel Wray and the whole team at Saracens for the manner in which they have dealt with my request to join Toulon next season. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Allianz Park and I have made so many special memories on and off the field," said Ashton.
"I have developed as a player during my time with Sarries but more importantly I have developed as a person, and I will always be indebted to the club for that."
"There is a tremendous culture at Saracens and the bond between everyone here is very tight. It will be a real wrench for me to leave all that behind at the end of the season but I'm looking forward to a new challenge at Toulon next year. My focus now is helping the squad prepare for Leicester Tigers on Saturday, contribute to the side when I return to action later this year and hopefully make a few more memories together in a black and red shirt."