Ashton still dreams of England

CHRIS ASHTON will attempt to show England what they are missing at Twickenham tomorrow in Barbarians colours, with Eddie Jones hinting a move back to the Premiership could reopen the door to a World Cup place.

The former England wing is ineligible for selection as an overseasbased player but having broken the Top 14 tryscoring record at Toulon this season with 26, he is playing some of the best rugby of his career as a full-back, where he lines up for the Baa-Baas.

The No15 jersey is not a position of strength for England – they will experiment with Elliot Daly starting and Danny Cipriani coming off the bench, with Mike Brown shunted out on to the wing tomorrow.

“Chris Ashton has been playing well,” said Jones. “Is he doing anything different? Well, he’s playing in a different position and done some good things but he’s not a guy in my selection zone at the moment because he’s not eligible. If he comes back and plays well, then he’s in contention.”

Ashton, 31, who won the last of his 39 caps four years ago, is understood to be open to a return to the Premiership. “I went out to France with an open mind and I still have an open mind,” he said. “I am enjoying it there but I still feel good and would love to play for England one day. It is not something I have shut off in my mind.”

Jones revealed he will shop at home for Paul Gustard’s replacement when the defence coach leaves for Harlequins after next month’s tour to South Africa.

“I am just thinking of the candidates who we are interviewing at this time and they are all English,” he said.