Chris Ashton is the record try-scorer in the Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup; his career started aged 18, with the Wigan Warriors, before switching codes; he has represented England in rugby union and league.
Last Updated: 12/04/23 12:55pm
Chris Ashton will retire from rugby at the end of the season
Chris Ashton will retire at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season after an 18-year playing career in both rugby union and rugby league.
The Leicester Tigers back has made 25 appearances for the club since joining midway through the 2021/22 campaign.
Ashton began his career in rugby league at Wigan Warriors before switching codes and playing for Northampton Saints, Saracens, Toulon, Sale Sharks, Harlequins and Worcester Warriors in rugby union. He represented England in both codes and also featured for the Barbarians.
Ashton is the record try-scorer in the Gallagher Premiership (98) and Heineken Champions Cup (41) competitions.
He has also won three Premierships, two Heineken Champions Cups and one European Challenge Cup.
Ashton said: “I have just felt, this season, that my body is not able to do what I want it do anymore.
“I am still enjoying the game, enjoying being in and around the team and the game every day, but if I am not able to keep the standards that I expect of myself, then it is the right time for me to retire.
“I am content with the decision and, honestly, I definitely wouldn’t have been had I not been able to come to Leicester Tigers, get back into the game and finish my career on my terms.
“It is the right time for me, I know that, and I am happy in making this decision at this time.”
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Ashton made his professional debut in 2005 for Wigan Warriors at the age of 18 and scored two tries in his first ap …