Toulon hopeful of persuading Chris Ashton to remain with the club

Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal is hoping that Chris Ashton decides to extend his stay with the French club despite the England wing requesting for a release.

Ashton joined Toulon in 2017 and had a productive season for them as he finished as the leading try-scorer but a desire to feature for the red rose team coupled with a "family problem" has induced the 31-year-old to request for a release from the French club despite two years of contract remaining.

A report from RMC Sport indicated that Ashton might return back to the Aviva Premiership in a bid to feature in England's World Cup squad even though his last appearance for them came way back in 2014.

"[Ashton] asked to leave the club, then he asked to return," Boudjellal said during a Facebook Live chat.

"We hope that Chris Ashton will stay in Toulon. We are currently in discussion with him. We are in the midst of personal problems. There is no ultimatum about it.

"There are different issues - there is the family problem and there is the issue of selection. We want him to stay. The ball is in his court now."

Earlier, Ashton showcased his skill and capability by scoring a hat-trick of tries for Barbarians against Eddie Jones' England side. Bristol head coach Pat Lam, who was in charge of Barbarians said he would welcome Ashton's addition to the Bears squad.

"If this guy wants to come home, there will always be a place with me. I will be waiting," Lam said.