Who’s hot and who’s not: Chris Ashton’s feat, England’s Six Nations success and Spain’s World Cup axing

After making his Premiership debut in 2007 for Northampton, 15 years later Ashton has secured his place in the record books by overtaking Tom Varndell as the leading Premiership try-scorer with 95 five-pointers compared to the retired winger’s 92 which he was tied with prior to Saturday. Now playing for Leicester, the former England international broke the record after three minutes against Bristol Bears at Welford Road before adding two more later in the first half to strengthen his tally. This score could be even higher had Ashton not started his rugby career with two years at rugby league’s Wigan Warriors and spent a season with Toulon in France later in his career before joining Sale.

History is made in the Gallagher Premiership!

The moment @ChrisAshton1 scored his 93rd try in England's top-flight to become the all-time record try-scorer in Premiership history. #GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/7L3YTn0bj6

— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 30, 2022

Simon Middleton’s charges continued with their dominance in the Women’s Six Nations when they sealed a Grand Slam triumph courtesy of a 24-12 victory over France in front of a sell-out crowd at Bayonne’s Stade Jean Dauger. England‘s first half performance set up this win as they held a 21-7 at half-time after Sarah Bern (2) and Abbie Ward scored tries. Both sides went off the boil after the break but England clinched their victory and they have now won 23 successive matches. It’s also their fourth successive Six Nations triumph and their latest success sets them up nicely for the Women’s Rugby World Cup which kicks off in October.

CHAMPIONS

Record breakers. History makers. This team is special #RedRoses pic.twitter.com/HbC3zWadph

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby)