Rugby:England wing Chris Ashton has signed a long-term deal with Saracens that will begin next season. The 24-year-old's move has been in the pipeline for the past few months after he made it clear he would not be renewing his deal at the Saints.
Ashton, who has scored 90 tries in 106 appearances for Northampton following his cross-code switch from Wigan, has now agreed a "long-term deal" with the defending Aviva Premiership champions.
A spokesman for Saracens 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."
Ashton will team up with fellow former Wigan stars Joel Tomkins and Andy Farrell - now a coach - at Vicarage Road.
There is speculation he will be left out of the Northampton side for their Heineken Cup clash against Munster in Milton Keynes on Saturday after it was reported his relationship with Saints rugby director Jim Mallinder deteriorated.
Ashton, who only recently returned to action following a four-week suspension, played against the Scarlets last weekend and he is expected to retain his England place in their Six Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield on February 4th.
