Chris Ashton viewing Saracens' Champions Cup clash with Glasgow as a Lions audition
Friday 31 March 2017 23:03, UK
Chris Ashton views Saracens' Champions Cup quarter-final against Glasgow as his stage to audition for the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.
Ashton has been backed as a contender for the squad to be announced by Warren Gatland on April 19 by his director of rugby Mark McCall after he plundered two tries in last weekend's rout of Bath.
The 29-year-old has effectively ended his England career by agreeing to join Toulon in the summer but retains hope of Lions selection knowing a strong performance against Glasgow at Allianz Park on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, will be noted by Gatland.
"My missus is closer to what's happening with the Lions than me! It would be nice but it's a very big ask. There are a lot of good wingers playing in the Six Nations," Ashton said.
"But I have some big games coming up and they're my opportunity. It's announced on the 19th so I haven't got that many.
Live European Rugby Champions Cup
"At the minute I am moving house when the tour is on, but we will see. I can book a van for a different week!"
Ashton has failed to make an England appearance under Eddie Jones and, having received a second lengthy ban in 2016, he decided it was time to look overseas.
In his absence England have won back-to-back Six Nations titles, but Ashton is able to watch without being consumed by resentment.
He said: "Making the decision to move on has definitely made it easier for me without a doubt. Now I can watch England as a fan, but not in pub where I get a bit of abuse if it's full!"
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