Chris Ashton is to join Toulon next season in a move that all but ends his England career.
Saracens have confirmed that wing Ashton, who is currently serving a 13-week suspension for biting, will depart after a five-year spell at Allianz Park during which he has established himself as the double winners’ leading try scorer.
“We would like to thank Chris for his contribution to Saracens and the role he played in helping us create some incredible memories during that period,” director of rugby Mark McCall said.
England will only pick overseas-based players in exceptional circumstances, so the move prevents him from adding to his 39 caps for the duration of his spell on the south coast of France.
The 29-year-old is said to have grown disillusioned with life in the English Premiership after falling foul of the game’s disciplinary process and Saracens granted his request to be released early from his contract.
He served a 10-week suspension for raking his hand over the face of Ulster’s Luke Marshall earlier this year, preventing him from taking up his place in England’s RBS Six Nations squad, before being given a second lengthy ban of the year last month.
In both instances, Ashton felt he was harshly treated.
“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,” Ashton said.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Allianz Park and I have made so many special memories on and off the field.
“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 on Saturday, contributing to the side when I return to action later this year and hopefully making a few more memories together in a black and red shirt.”
[Source:-Telegraph]
