Ashton tells Saints he will not be playing for them next season.

Ballsy move, especially for a player who in my opinion is off form and over rated when at his best. How do you think this'll pan out?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/16551828.stm

I would put him on a basic wage and not select him again this season.
It's pointless planning ahead with a player that clearly does not want to be with the club and I'm sure there are a few youngsters there more than happy to have a opportunity to prove they have what it takes.

Is the implication that he hasn't yet signed a contract with Sarries or just that he announced it rather than let his new club?

Interesting that people seem to down on Ashton for letting the club know that he wants out and will not be there next season, but are ok with Roger Wilson having signed to play for Ulster next season, effectively letting the club know that he wants out and will not be there next season.

Not sure what the difference between the two is.

That's what's confusing me too Ozzy!

There is no difference, apart from the fact Wilson had a new club lined up, but really it's the same thing. But Ashton wants to be careful he doesn't 'Fionn Carr' this.

Carr told Connacht early on last season he would be leaving but he severely overestimated the demand for his services. Ulster and Leinster were both interested but ultimately he was humiliated as Ulster didn't make a firm offer and Leinster only offered him a one year role as a bit-part player.

Probably shouldn't have burnt his bridges with Connacht. And Ashton ought to watch his bridges with Saints unless he's actually signed somewhere else because sometimes deals fall through or fail to materialise.

That said, it seems likely he will sign for a new club soon. Probably Saracens.

I doubt very much that if the Saracens deal falls through Chris Ashton will face the same difficulties as Fionn Carr did in securing a contract at another club.

Ozzy he had no need to say anything about not wanting to play for the Saints next season I'm sure the club were well aware of that by the fact that the contract had not being extended.
Saints have looked after him and made him the player he is.

It's probably better to tell the club he isn't signing a new contract so they can plan to bring someone else in than to leave the matter up in the air.

I think thats a more professional way to act than just not communicating at all.

So you think that rather than let the club know that he does not want to be there next season so would not be signing a new contract he should just string them along until he signs for someone else, leaving them with less time to line up a replacement for next season.

Sorry, but that's a nonsense. He has been honest with the club and the fact that some people are lambasting him for it says more to me about them than it does about him.

There would have been loads of communication and as Saint stated they were not willing to break the bank to keep him at the club.
To me this is more of a case of Saints telling him they don't want him for the money he is asking.

What does it tell you about me Ozzy? that I'm being a realist.
You should know by now that I'm not a wum I just say what I believe.
If George North had said the same thing I would also have formed the same opinion about him.

Think about this; a little hypothetical situation.

You're running a business with several employees. One employee comes to you and tells you he's been offered a job elsewhere, works his two weeks notice and leaves. Another gets a job offer, but doesn't inform you (his current employer) and one day simply walks out without warning after refusing to sign a new contract.

Which is more professional? Assuming you answered the first employee, why is it a different rule for rugby players?

Cymroglan wrote:Ozzy he had no need to say anything about not wanting to play for the Saints next season

Is there a quote of him actually saying that, or are these words constructed for him by journalists?

As a Saints fan I have no problem with this. Everybody knew he was going to leave anyway and Saints may have made him the player he is (although Wigan RL played a significant part as well) but we have had a good return on the initial investment. At least he is being up front and Saints can continue planning for next season. He may not have been the very top earner at the Saints but he will still free up a decent amount of space in the wage cap (rumored to be on 150k to 180k per year with endorsements). Anyway, agree that this almost as much a case of Northampton saying they are not prepared to meet his wage demands and the player saying fair enough. After a difficult season it may be good fore his game.

As Ozzy and Notch say it is no different from the Wilson situation and he leaves with everyone's blessing. I personally wish Ashton all the best, great player when on form and will be an asset to whichever team he chooses (Saracens ). I'm maybe more sad that Wilson is leaving. He may not be the most flash player going but has great core skills, is happy to do the dirty work (allowing others to get the glory) and never gives less than 100% commitment. He will certainly be missed next season.

niwatts wrote:

Cymroglan wrote:Ozzy he had no need to say anything about not wanting to play for the Saints next season

Is there a quote of him actually saying that, or are these words constructed for him by journalists?

It doesn't say that in the article, just that he will be leaving for a new challenge next season. Doesn't sound as scandalous when put that way though

The professional bit should already have been done while discussing the contract.
The Saints said they could not afford his demands and it should have been left at that.
When he has signed a contract with another club it's then and only then he should have come out and said he was grateful for all the Saints had done but he thinks it's time to move on.

What has Ashton actually come out and said on the subject? Since this story began I've only seen quotes from Saints' and Saracens' management.

This just smacks of sloppy journalism from the Beeb.

There was that strange article about Henson the other day too, about him being dropped by the Blues from the squad for the final HEC game. Then when you read the article it seems that wasn't the case.

Ozzy3213 wrote:Interesting that people seem to down on Ashton for letting the club know that he wants out and will not be there next season, but are ok with Roger Wilson having signed to play for Ulster next season, effectively letting the club know that he wants out and will not be there next season.

Not sure what the difference between the two is.

in my opinion there is a great deal of difference

1) Chris ashton has refused to talk to the club, getting agents involved and letting rumours fly around, he is effectively a footballer chasing an egg
2) He has gone to saracens for money, Wilson has gone back to his hometown to finish his career
3) Saints made ashton the player he is and invested in him for the future, while wilson was already a quality player when he came, showed nothing but commitment for 5 years and owes the club nothing
4) As a saints fan weve played saracens and ulster in the last year- i know which club i prefer (in no way is that judgement influenced by their 41 point thrashing of leicester) it is particularly galling to lose one of our best players to south african money

There is a way to leave a club with decency-the vast majority of rugby players are capable of it, Mr Ashton, it seems, is not.

Bobo, you basically seem to be annoyed that he's going to Saffacens. Will it help to know that Ulster are the Saffacens of Ireland? Also, didn't Saracens beat Leicester by nearly 50 points at Welford Road.

I think the changes in the NIQ rules at the provinces had a pretty big influence on Wilson going back (and probably on the money involved). However I am surprised that Wilson negotiates his own deals rather than using his agent (isn't that their main point?)

There's a quote from Ashton in this article:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/8999615/Northampton-wing-Chris-Ashton-open-to-Saracens-move.html



Ashton has been linked with the move for some time, and he admitted he was still making up his mind about where his future lies.

He said: "This is the club that brought me to rugby union and I owe this club a lot. I love the lads here and I love this club.

"It's been a tough time for me recently on and off the pitch, so I'm just glad to be back on the field and I want to start enjoying my rugby again.

"A lot has gone on and I have had quite a few distractions. Over the last four weeks I haven't really looked at a contract, I've just been concentrating on getting fit.

"I'm sure Jim (Mallinder) would like a decision from but I am just going to take a few weeks to look on it and take a decision from there.

"I don't want to rush into it. I still love this club and I'm not saying I don't want to be here."

Saints head coach Jim Mallinder said he wanted Ashton to stay but was already considering his options for replacing the England flyer.

"Obviously we're looking at other options. I'd love him to stay, but I've said it before: you only want players who want to play for you.

"If he wants to go elsewhere then no problem.

"He's very determined and wanted to play. He came to see me and we had a good chat about it. He's been disappointed in his rugby this year and he wants to start playing well.

"We've coped quite well without him recently, and if Chris decides he wants to go then we'll cope without him."

Reading the articles, I don't see any problem at all. Players move clubs. Not a big deal.

For me, it's a shame Ashton will leave Saints, but that's the way it works in professional sport. He has done nothing wrong, and at least I am happy he gave enough notice so a proper replacement can be signed. Good bloke. But I suppose anything he does will incite his venemous detractors.

And for Saints, they will simply have to discover the next starting England wing. It must be so tiring for the club to keep developing England talent. And only a few years post-relegaton, to boot.

There's something special building at Saracens...

Aaaghhhhhh

The Telegraph has furthered the story by saying he stormed out of training after a bust up with Mallinder and has been dropped from the squad to play Munster http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/9024103/Chris-Ashton-walks-out-on-Northampton-after-row-with-director-of-rugby-Jim-Mallinder.html

More importantly.....

Is Ashton one of the biggest earners at Saints. Surely they could bring a top notch player in to replace him...they've got plenty of time ....

Well Saracens paid £250,000 for him - thats hell of a lot for a rugby palyer, especially him

So yes they could definately replace him with a top drawer player...or who knows...maybe they've got a ready made youngster waiting to walk into the side....

munkian wrote:The Telegraph has furthered the story by saying he stormed out of training after a bust up with Mallinder and has been dropped from the squad to play Munster http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/9024103/Chris-Ashton-walks-out-on-Northampton-after-row-with-director-of-rugby-Jim-Mallinder.html

Now THAT... that is unprofessional Cymro

Wow Saints have lost Wilson, Downey and Ashton. Some holes need filling

It's not that bad Geoff. Tom May can step straight in for Downey as they've been rotating during the season. The young lad on the wing Elliott is a real prospect and with Artymiev and Cato also at the club along with club man Diggin they aren't short on wing options.

They do need to sort out the backrow though as that is looking a little threadbare. With Wilson gone it will be Clarke, Downson and Wood with Nutley on the bench and covering options from the second row. A new number 8 plus another flanker looks likely.

But they are replaceable....

Ie Benjamin would be a good replacement for Ashton.

And our own Fitzpatrick could suit as a replacement for Downey if we go down...(but we'll not let him go easy mmwwaahahahah)

Ashton relies on Foden for tries anyway - he's a finisher and thats about it - NH will fill the void so to speak. Stats show he was completely outplayed by North against the Scarlets anyway

Isn't Narraway on his way to Saints?

Narraway has been offered a deal by Saints if you believe the rumours. Not really a like for like replacement though is it.

Some finisher - the Beeb also stated he has scored 95 tries in 105 appearances. Tell me any team that wouldnt overlook the odd minor issue for that return

lostinwales wrote:Some finisher - the Beeb also stated he has scored 95 tries in 105 appearances. Tell me any team that wouldnt overlook the odd minor issue for that return

Northampton Saints.

http://www.saracens.com/news/view.php?Id=6759

Chris Ashton signs for Saracens. Confirmed. Let's hope an actual contract has been signed.

R5 has reported that he will sign for the Sarries 'before the start of next season'.

Some finisher - the Beeb also stated he has scored 95 tries in 105 appearances. Tell me any team that wouldnt overlook the odd minor issue for that return.

You can question his temprement on the pitch but off the pitch in interviews he always seems decent enough. His skills on the pitch make him an excellent finisher. He doesn't create a great deal for himself but partnered with the right players he provides a real weapon to the backline. For Sarries I think he might do well, off the shoulder of Hodgson as he plays flat and the sniping game of the young scrummy will suit his support lines.

A spokesman for the Aviva Premiership champions said: “We
are obviously especially delighted but, for now, Chris remains a
Northampton player. Out of respect for Saints, Saracens will not make
any further comment on the matter.”

which makes 'interesting' reading.

Why would the Sarries need to include that as a major part of their press release?

The worst kept secret in rugby and on that note, how come we all knew this was going to happen weeks/months before Sarries were actually allowed to approach him?

The worst kept secret in rugby and on that note, how come we all knew this was going to happen weeks/months before Sarries were actually allowed to approach him?.

Agents trying to drive up interest ahead of contract offer time?

Why would the Sarries need to include that as a major part of their press release?

To stop the press hounding them for comments and to try not to cause any press related distractions? Tigers have a policy of not disclosing their signings before the end of the season. The details are normally all over the net long before then but officially they don't say anything. More clubs seem to be adopting that stance as well.

Saw Ashton on soccer AM the other week.

Seemed like a decent guy.

So if Narraway goes to Saints....does this mean Ben Morgan will go to his boyhood favorites Glos....? Or will he honour the contract with the club who has had a big part in his development...

I think Morgan will honour is contract, there is only a year left on it and he seems to be happy there. As long as the Scarlets don't mind him being an NWQ player I think he'll be there until his contract expires. If he chooses to leave before then or the Scarlets decide the want to promote someone else/want a different NWQ option then half the AP will be open to him.

Tigers may favour him over renewing Waldrom's contract.
Saints are open to another big backrower,
Glaws will want to replace Narraway.
Worcester have reportedly offered a lucrative deal to Waldrom but if he doesn't come would surely bid for Morgan.
If Joubert doesn't re-sign with Sarries they might bid for him.

That's jsut off the top of my head.

Geordie, I'm sure I heard that Delve may be going back to Gloucester. If so I can't see Morgan going there as well.