Leicester Tigers have signed dual-international Chris Ashton on a short-term contract.
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.
During his year in France, he broke the record for tries scored in a single season with 24 tries in 23 appearances.
He 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.
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.”
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Most Overrated XV In Rugby History Picked By Fans In Controversial Rankings
Back-Three:
- 15. Johan Goosen (South Africa) – “He was supposed to be the next big thing for Springbok rugby, and now he’s barely remembered.”
- 14. George North (Wales) – “is the most overrated player of this generation, when was the last time he had a good game that wasn’t against Italy.”
- 11. Chris Ashton (England) – ” That man lived off his ‘solo’ try against Australia and managed to get in the England team every time. He couldn’t tackle a crossword! Lacks creativity and only works running a line of a short pass from number ten. Overrated definitely!”
Centres:
- 13. Manu Tuilagi (England) – “Beside the word “overvalued” in the dictionary, there should probably be a picture of Mr.Manu Tuilagi.””
- 12. Gavin Henson (Wales) – “one kick and one big tackle and everyone thought he was the bees knees for the next few years. To be honest, he was as useful as a fish with wing.”
