Chris Ashton makes Leicester Tigers revelation after equalling Premiership Rugby's tryscoring record

Upon equalling the Premiership's all-time tryscoring record, Chris Ashton revealed he nearly joined Leicester Tigers 15 years before he eventually did.

The well-travelled back made a surprise switch to Mattioli Woods Welford Road in February as head coach Steve Borthwick looked for experienced cover during the Six Nations period.

A return of three tries in his last two games, including a brace in the 22-17 victory over Exeter Chiefs, saw him draw level with Tom Varndell's top-flight haul of 92. It has been some contribution from the rugby league convert who left Wigan Warriors in 2007 to join Northampton Saints. But that first big step so easily could've been at their East Midlands rivals.

"I nearly went to Leicester when I came from Wigan," Ashton told BBC Radio Leicester. "Leicester were the first that I spoke to, in the end I chose Northampton because it was a bit similar to Wigan. It was a little bit like a bigger version of Wigan, and they had Stephen Myler there, and people I kind of knew, so I went for Northampton."

After five years at Franklin's Gardens, during which time he earned the first of his 44 England caps, Ashton embarked upon a trophy-laden spell at Saracens before spending nearly two seasons in France with Toulon.

Spells at Sale Sharks, Harlequins and Worcester Warriors all ended abruptly before pitching up at his sixth Premiership club last month.

His 91st and 92nd Premiership tries leave Ashton, who turned 35 on Tuesday, with five rounds of fixtures, plus the end-of-season knock-out stages, to register the score that will see him go out on his own at the top of the league's most prolific finishers.

"I don’t want to talk about it because I’m obviously joint with Tom now, it’s just good to be there you