England’s Chris Ashton will leave Northampton Saints at the end of the season for Aviva Premiership rivals Saracens.
The 24-year-old has agreed a long-term deal with last season’s Grand Final winners, who are 6/4 with bookmaker to retain their trophy, after opting not to extend his deal with the Saints.
Ashton made the switch from league side Wigan Warriors to join Saints, and has scored 90 tries in 106 games for Northampton.
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 join up with fellow ex-Wigan stars Joel Tomkins and Andy Farrell, now a coach, at Saracens.