Toulon plays down 'rumours' of Chris Ashton leaving the club

by Matthew Wood Friday 15 June 2018

Chris Ashton featured in 39 Tests for England between 2010 and 2014

©PA

Toulon have played down reports circulating around of England international Chris Ashton leaving the French club to return back to the English Premiership.

RMC SPORT had reported that the 31-year-old was seeking an early release from his contract with Toulon to make a return to England in a bid to feature in the 2019 World Cup squad of Eddie Jones.

Ashton has been in prolific scoring form as he finished his first season in Top 14 as the leading try-scorer and also managed to score a hat-trick while featuring for Barbarians against England at Twickenham Stadium last month.

“Following rumours circulating on some media, Toulon confirms that winger Chris Ashton is still under contract with the club for two seasons,” read the statement from the Top 14 club.

“To date, no request for termination of contract has been made by Chris Ashton. On the contrary, the English winger has asked for an extension of his contract.

“The club is studying this possibility. Any other information disseminated in the media may be considered completely unfounded.”

Earlier, Ashton said "he was sick of leaving his international career in other people's hand" before he made a move to Toulon. His last appearance for England came way back in 2014.