Chris Ashton opens up on retirement plans after calling quits on his rugby career

Towards the end of the week announcing his imminent retirement, Chris Ashton shone on Friday as he sheltered from the rain at Welford Road.

“I’m normally used to getting a lot of hate,” the former England winger said with a smile. “I actually prefer that, so getting a lot of love is unusual. It’s been too good. It’s weird. I don’t feel comfortable with it. Maybe it’s the northerner in me. But it (praise) was fun, don’t get me wrong.’

Ashton, 36, will retire at the end of the season, ending one of English rugby’s most colorful careers. He really has been a Marmite figure, especially in the 15-a-side game. Why? It remains a pertinent question.

Having started in rugby league with Wigan, Ashton was a try machine in both codes. He is the record goalscorer in the Premier League and European history. At 98 Premiership tries currently, he still has a chance to hit three figures before dropping the curtain on what has been a fine rugby journey.

He played for six Premiership clubs and scored 20 tries in 44 England caps. But it hasn’t always gone smoothly. There have been several bans. Ashton has often caused controversy.

The dual code international has earned 20 tries in 44 caps for England between 2010 and 2019

His acrobatic “Ash Splash” celebration divided opinion. In 2016, Ashton was suspended for a total of 23 weeks for gouging and biting. It ruined his chances of impressing Eddie Jones, who had just become England head coach.

Asked if he regrets not playing more for England, Ashton replied: ‘Without a doubt. There was one ban in particular, that of Ulster (for gouging), where I did nothing. I still have a long spell. Eddie told me I was going to play. To this day I have no idea why (I was quoted). I played well at Saracens.

“I came back to England with a new coach and that’s when it happened. I’m being accused of something I didn’t do and I was banned. People see the dive as I raise my finger to the crowd, but that’s never why I did it. I did it to celebrate a good effort. Why not take a dip?

“You say you want characters in the game, but then you knock the stuffing out of someone sticking their head above the parapet. How do you grow the game and approach it from a different angle if there aren’t a few characters around?’

Ashton was about to play for England under Eddie Jones (pictured), but a suspension got in the way

Ashton has certainly been a character. He’s always been at the box office wherever he’s been, both on and off the pitch, and definitely should have played more for England. Rugby will miss him when he is gone.

“Some days with England were tough,” admitted Ashton. “You have times when you really hate the situation you’re in. A lot has to do with social media. I played for England when it all flooded.

“It was like ‘F****** hell what is this? Why are people suddenly hating you? That was a shock to the system.

“I took a stupid dive and the rise of social media went hand in hand. It probably influenced the way I approached things, unintentionally.”

After spells with Northampton, Saracens, Toulon, Sale, Harlequins and Worcester, Ashton joined Leicester last year for the final stop on his rugby journey. He immediately helped the Tigers to the premier league. It was his third English title in a row with two Champions Cups and one Challenge Cup.

Ashton has scored 286 tries in 427 games in both codes. He could still end his career with another Premiership crown. Ashton starts against Exeter on Sunday as defending champions Leicester are still in the hunt for a play-off spot.

Ashton has scored 286 tries in 427 games in both codes and could win another Premiership

He admitted that he has crossed the line at times, but wants to do everything he can to win on the field

“I play the game on the edge,” says Ashton, who hopes to stay in rugby in the future. “Sometimes people can look at that and think, ‘Why is he acting like that?’

“I just do everything I can to win and sometimes that crossed the line. You learn with experience.

“I did well and exceeded what I expected. I scored some tries and played in great teams with great players. This season I’ve struggled a bit with injuries I never had.

“Your legs are starting to stop being able to do what you want. I’m a bit of an old dog now. I still want to go out, but I don’t want to run around all day.”