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.

But Farrell views Ashton as a unique talent and he believes the Northampton wing will be back to his best in the Six Nations, a year on from setting an England try-scoring record in the championship.

Ashton scored six times as England lifted the 2011 title and he was the joint-top try-scorer at the World Cup, despite England failing to use their strike runners to full effect.

“I watched him against Leicester last weekend and he was outstanding,” said Farrell, who will be seconded to England from Saracens, where he is first team coach.

“Everybody has a story to tell. Chris will let his rugby do the talking.

“Strip everything back and look at the guy as a rugby player. Why is he a good rugby player, why does he score so many tries?

“That is what needs to be brought out about Chris Ashton. He works harder than any other winger and that is why he is in the position to score the tries in the first place.”