The 22-year-old winger, who was named in Martin Johnson’s RBS 6 Nations squad, joined Northampton from rugby league side Wigan Warriors in 2007.

And after leading both the Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup scoring charts with 15 tries in his last 16 games, Ashton admitted he is enjoying life at Franklin’s Gardens.

“The Saints has been a great club to be a part of over the past couple of years,” said Ashton. “I’ve settled here and there is a great bunch of lads.

“It was a hard year last year as I came to terms with the Premiership, but the coaches stuck with me and are helping me get better at rugby union. I’m still learning though and I believe I can improve a lot.

“It’s exciting to be at a club that is going places. We’re ambitious to be one of the top clubs in England and in Europe and can only get better over the next few years.”