With huge attention on the Six Nations, the Gallagher Premiership took a backseat even as Ashton’s Tigers edged closer to their first league title since 2013.
Despite already looking odds-on to clinch the trophy, Leicester head coach Steve Borthwick opted to bring in veteran winger Ashton following his departure from Worcester Warriors in December 2021.
Ashton was initially eased into the starting XV by Borthwick before three tries in two games against London Irish and Exeter Chiefs forced him into the side.
His second try against the Chiefs clinched a 17th league win for Tigers and moved the 35-year-old to 92 Premiership tries. One more will see him break the all-time record.
Who is the top try-scorer in Premiership history?
Former Wasps star Tom Varndell has been top of the all-time try standings in the Premiership since 2017.
He finally edged ahead of England teammate Mark Cueto (90) during his brief spell at Bristol Bears.
However, Ashton has been on Varndell’s heels in the past 12 months despite his exit from Worcester having looked set to damage his chances of breaking the record.
Ashton looks well-placed to nip in front of his long-time rival, with the Tigers in action against Harlequins on April 23.
Other major records in Premiership history
Ashton’s push to overhaul Varndell will be right in the spotlight but there are a string of other records that look set to remain for some time to come.
Danny Care is the highest appearance-maker currently playing in the Gallagher Premiership, on 248, and the Harlequins scrum-half needs 10 more games to break into history’s top five.
Former England fly-half Charlie Hodgson leads the way as the Premiership’s all-time top points scorer. He also holds the incredible combined triple top spot for conversions (333), penalties (550) and drop goals (38).
Ospreys star Stephen Myler is the closest to Hodgson’s tally, but he is unlikely to catch him or second-place Andy Goode before retirement.
Who is Chris Ashton?
After starting out in rugby league with hometown club Wigan Warriors, Ashton made the code switch to union with Northampton Saints in 2007.
During five seasons with Saints, followed by five at Saracens, Ashton developed into one of the most potent runners from deep in English rugby.
His points total of 697 in 215 games at his first two Union clubs shows a 3+ points-per-game average before he moved to France and enjoyed a dominant spell with Toulon.
An eventual exit from Worcester at the back end of 2021 appeared to be the end of Ashton’s Premiership career, but he remained determined to enjoy at least one more hurrah at Welford Road.
Who is the top try-scorer in Test rugby?
Ashton’s battle with Varndell is set to be a real focus in the end-of-season run-in within English Premiership circles, but the international Test record appears to be holding strong.
Japanese rugby icon Daisuke Ohata has held the crown since 2006, and the closest current player —Wales’ George North (45) — is 24 behind him.
