Chris Ashton eyes 'niche' rugby role when playing days end: ' I think there's something there that I can pass on'

Chris Ashton plans to pass on his potent finishing skills to back three players of the future in a coaching role when he eventually hangs up his boots.

The 35-year-old recently became the Premiership's all-time leading tryscorer with a treble against Bristol Bears as he moved to seven scores in nine appearances since joining Leicester Tigers on a short-term deal in February.

His exploits for the Gallagher Premiership table-toppers earned him a one-year contract, extending the former England international's stay into the 2022/23 season - when by his own admission he is likely to end his playing days.

"I've got another year to ride it out a little bit longer," Ashton said. "I would like to stay involved, it just depends. I've been at clubs that I've not enjoyed, so it depends on the right place at the right time. If the timing's right for me, but I will play for as long as I can. I definitely think the rugby environment is the right one that I need to stay in."

Ashton's most recent five-pointer against Leinster saw him move to 41 Heineken Cup tries - five more than his nearest rival Vincent Clerc, who retired in 2018. Boasting an international try-scoring record of nearly one every two games, Ashton believes he is well placed to pass on his expertise to finishers of the future.

"I've been discussing it and thinking about it recently," he said. "I'd like to help wingers and back three players find a way to become better finishers and how to get on the ball and score tries.

"It's something that I've loved doing and I'd like to pass that on. I think there's something there that I can pass on, that understanding of how to get on to the ball and how to score tries. I think there's a niche market there for me."

Ashton