Chris Ashton to leave Saracens for Toulon at end of the season as England career looks over

The RFU only consider players playing in the Aviva Premiership

Ashton is currently serving a 13-week ban (Getty)

Chris Ashton has all but ended his England career after his club Saracens confirmed he is to join Toulon next season.

The winger is currently serving a 13-week suspension for biting which, coupled with him being over looked for England’s latest training squad, appear to have played a part in his decision.

The 29-year-old insisted back in September that he would do all he could to return to the England fold despite his ban, but the move now appears to signal his abandonment of those aspirations.

England will only pick overseas-based players in exceptional circumstances, so it is unlikely Ashton will add to his 39 international caps.

“It will be a real wrench for me to leave,” said Ashton, who still had 18 months left on his current contract with the Premiership champions.

"I'd like to put on record my thanks to Mark McCall, our chairman Nigel Wray and the whole team at Saracens for the manner in which they have dealt with my request to join Toulon next season.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Allianz Park and I have made so many special memories on and off the field.

Chris Ashton has been recalled by England after adding some ‘meat and bones’ to his undoubted attacking flair (REX)

"I have developed as a player during my time with Sarries, but more importantly I have developed as a person and I will always be indebted to the club for that.

"There is a tremendous culture at Saracens and the bond between everyone here is very tight.

"It will be a real wrench for me to leave all that behind at the end of the season, but I'm looking forward to a new challenge at Toulon next year.

Chris Ashton (Getty)

"My focus now is helping the squad prepare for Leicester on Saturday, contributing to the side when I return to action later this year and hopefully making a few more memories together in a black and red shirt."

Ashton joined Sarries in 2012 and has won two Premiership titles and a European Champions Cup with the club, as well as scoring 19 tries in 39 test with England.

The former Rugby League star is due back from his 13-week ban on December 19.