squad

"Toulouse are so consistent and have an unbelievable squad," Ashton told BBC Rugby Union Weekly.

"You always look to bolster your squad in any way you can and she's going to be a massive asset for us."

The 34-year-old called an end to his Test career before the start of the autumn internationals, having initially been included in England's squad for the matches.

"The reason being that one of the matchday squad had refused to wear the jacket on the grounds of their personally held beliefs," the group said.

With a talented squad hitting their prime, there really was no wiggle room.