Chris Ashton makes shock mid-season exit from Sale Sharks with 'immediate effect'

Chris Ashton and Sale Sharks are to sensationally part company mid-season.

A statement from the club reads.

"Sale Sharks can today announce that Chris Ashton will leave the club with immediate effect.

"The club and Chris have reached a mutual agreement regarding the termination of his Sale Sharks contract and he will leave the club immediately.

"Sale Sharks would like to thank Chris for his efforts whilst at the club and wish him and his family all the best for the future."

Ashton signed for Sale Sharks in 2018.

Born in Wigan, Chris made 72 appearances for the Warriors in Super League, amassing 120 points, between 2005 and 2007. He also represented England RL four times, scoring three tries.

He moved to the 15-man code with Northampton Saints in 2007, initially spending a season in National One before sampling Premiership Rugby. His overall tally with the Saints saw him score 467 points in 110 games.

In 2012, he transferred to Saracens, with his 230 points from 105 games being a major contribution to the success of the North London club.

After playing a season in France with Toulon, adding another 115 points to his personal tally, Ashton returned to his native country. He has 19 tries to his name from his 39 England caps.

WATCH: England winger Chris Ashton has compared his previous England experiences to that of working under Eddie Jones and explains why it's "very different feel".