Ex-Wigan Warriors fullback Chris Ashton to retire at the end of the season

The 36-year-old started his professional playing career with the Warriors before switching codes in 2007.

Ashton has represented England in both league and union, as well as being the record try-scorer in the Gallagher Premiership (98) and Heineken Champions Cup (41).

Speaking to his current club Leicester Tigers, he said: “I have just felt, this season, that my body is not able to do what I want it do anymore.

“I am still enjoying the game, enjoying being in and around the team and the game every day, but if I am not able to keep the standards that I expect of myself, then it is the right time for me to retire.

“I am content with the decision and, honestly, I definitely wouldn’t have been had I not been able to come to Leicester Tigers, get back into the game and finish my career on my terms.

“It is the right time for me, I know that, and I am happy in making this decision at this time.

“I still can’t believe all that I have been able to do and all that rugby union has given me.

“This game has opened the world to me, taken me to places I never thought I would have been or experienced, and I am so grateful for that.

“Playing for Wigan Warriors was my dream growing up, that was all I wanted to do, and I know rugby league would have given me so much too, but it is amazing to look back and see what I have been able to do because of both codes and the groups and places I have been a part of in my career.

“I am honoured to have done what I have done, for the clubs I have played for and to represent my country in two codes.

“I have been fortunate to have shared in so many special moments with all of my family throughout the years and especially, in these later years, the chance to share in even more with my kids.”