Ashton leaves Sale with immediate effect

Former England international Chris Ashton has left Sale Sharks with immediate effect.

The 32-year-old wing and the Premiership club have reached an agreement to terminate his contract early in a surprise move.

Sale are second in the standings and Ashton was not included in the squad for their 23-17 win at Gloucester on Friday.

He has scored four tries in seven Premiership appearances this season and will now weigh up a mid-season move to another team.

“Chris Ashton will leave the club with immediate effect,” read the club’s statement confirming his exit on Monday.

“The club and Chris have reached a mutual agreement regarding the termination of his Sale Sharks contract and he will leave the club immediately.

“Sale Sharks would like to thank Chris for his efforts whilst at the club and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

Ashton was a high-profile addition when he joined from Toulon in 2018, and last played for England – for whom he scored 20 tries in 44 Tests – in February 2019.

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