On the move.

Worcester Warriors have signed experienced former England wing Chris Ashton from Premiership rivals Harlequins.

Ashton has joined Warriors with immediate effect on a contract to the end of the 2021/22 season.

His arrival at Sixways could not be better timed as full-back Melani Nanai has been ruled out for the rest of the season by a torn hamstring and promising wing Noah Heward is also sidelined having suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury.

In addition to increasing options in the back three, Ashton will also help to mentor the club’s less experienced players in those positions and be a role model for the whole squad.

“We are pleased to welcome Chris to Sixways. He is a quality, proven international, who is equally at home at wing or full-back,” said Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons.

“With Melani out for the season and Noah’s return being further delayed, the timing could not have been better.

“Chris is the consummate professional and will be a good role model for our younger players. I have no doubt that Chris will make his mark here at Sixways.”

Ashton, 33, scored 20 tries in his 44 Tests – 41 of which he started – between 2010 and 2019 including four against Italy at Twickenham in the 2011 Six Nations.

He is third on the Premiership’s all-time list of try-scorers with 88, two behind Mark Cueto and just four short of equalling Tom Varndell’s record.