Aviva Premiership
Ashton eyes fresh start with Sarries
ESPN Staff
July 25, 2012
England's Chris Ashton races in to score a try, England v Barbarians, Twickenham, England, May 27, 2012
Ashton scores against the Barbarians at the end of last season © Getty Images
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England wing Chris Ashton is hoping his move to Saracens will push his game to the next level and give him the fresh start he craves.

The 25-year-old is preparing for the new season with his new team-mates, six months after deciding to join Sarries from their Aviva Premiership rivals Northampton Saints. The announcement of his impending move coincided with a down turn in form for the winger, who was criticised for his performances at domestic and international level.

Ashton's form stabilised towards the end of the season and on England's tour of South Africa this summer, and he is determined to continue his upsurge at Saracens.

Ashton told the BBC: "One of the reasons I came here was to help my rugby, to freshen it up and push myself again. Coming here, I've got to start again with it all, I've got to impress and I've got to get myself in the team."

Ashton added: "It's a relaxed place. I'm not saying Northampton wasn't but it was quite full on a lot of the time. They trust you to do your own thing, the lads in general are quite a welcoming bunch and I've had no problem speaking to anyone or being around anyone. I'm enjoying it so far."

However Ashton, who has scored 15 tries in 23 international appearances, is taking nothing for granted at Saracens with rivals such as David Strettle, James Short and Chris Wyles among those competing for a wing spot.

"They've got good wingers here who can play instead of me any time so I'm always going to challenge myself," said Ashton.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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