Rugby
ESPN staff 6y

Chris Ashton one of four Toulon players added to Barbarians squad for England match

Rugby

Chris Ashton will make a temporary return to international rugby when he lines up for the Barbarians against England at Twickenham next Sunday.

Ashton, who won the last of his 39 England caps in 2014, is one of four Toulon players added to the invitational squad following the Top 14 side's playoff defeat to Lyon on Friday night.

The former England wing has proved a success in his first season in France, scoring a Top 14 record 24 tries. Ashton scored a hat trick for England against the Barbarians in 2012.

Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Josua Tuisova and Semi Radradra have also been called up by the Barbarians, who will be coached by Pat Lam in London.

Toulon were held to a 19-19 draw by Lyon following extra-time at the Stade Felix Mayol on Friday but were denied a place in next weekend's Top 14 semifinals on tries scored.

Radradra's rugby career continues to be on the rise, with the former NRL player recently named in the Fiji squad for the Pacific Nations Cup, while he also committed his future to rugby after he signed a two-year deal with Bordeaux earlier this year.  

Yet to take to the field for Fiji, coach John McKee is considering the 25-year-old as an option at wing or inside centre, and is considered a strong chance to take part in next year's World Cup in Japan.  

^ Back to Top ^