Farrell keen to link up with Ashton

England’s new assistant coach Andy Farrell is excited about the prospect of working with Chris Ashton, who followed his foot-steps in switching codes and moving from Wigan to a career in rugby union.

Ashton has hit the headlines for the wrong reasons in recent weeks, from his off-field antics at the World Cup to the ban he is currently serving for dragging Leicester wing Alesana Tuilagi by his hair.