FORMER England winger and third on the list of all-time Premiership try scorers Chris Ashton has signed for Worcester Warriors.

The ex-Harlequins, Sale, Northampton Saints and Saracens winger has signed on an 18-month contract, as Worcester look to fill the void of injured full-back Melani Nanai.

Ashton, 33, was contracted with Quins until the summer but has left early to come to Sixways having not really hit the ground running at the London based club.

The move is one to also help mentor the younger players in the squad, in particular the wingers and director of rugby Alan Solomons believes it’s a move that benefits all involved.

“We are pleased to welcome Chris to Sixways. He is a quality, proven international, who is equally at home at wing or full-back,” he said.

“With Melani out for the season and Noah’s return being further delayed, the timing could not have been better.

“Chris is the consummate professional and will be a good role model for our younger players. I have no doubt that Chris will make his mark here at Sixways.”

Ashton is third on the Premiership’s all-time list of try-scorers with 88, two behind Mark Cueto and just four short of equalling Tom Varndell’s record, so he will be looking to hit top spot during his time with Warriors.

“I would like to thank Harlequins for agreeing to release me early from my contract to be able to join Worcester Warriors,” said Ashton.

“The ability to continue my career in the Gallagher Premiership and play regular rugby means that this move is right for me and my family at this time.”

New head coach Jonathan Thomas is hoping Ashton will be able to help Warriors be more clinical, something they have struggled with.

“We have created a lot of opportunities in attack this season but haven’t quite been able to finish those off,” said Thomas.

“Chris has a proven record as a prolific try-scorer at this level so having someone who can be clinical in those critical moments in games is important.”