Chris Ashton to face England after being named in Barbarians squad

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By Joe Shread

Image: Chris Ashton has not played for England for four years

Chris Ashton will take to the field against England at Twickenham later this month after being named in the Barbarians squad to play against Eddie Jones' side.

Ashton is joined in the squad by the likes of Argentina great Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, New Zealand's double World Cup winner Victor Vito and Ireland centre Bundee Aki.

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Wales flanker Justin Tipuric and Scotland half-back Greig Laidlaw are also named in Pat Lam's squad, with further additions to be made on Monday.

Ashton has 19 tries in 39 Tests for England, but has not played for his country for four years.

Image: Ashton's last Test came against New Zealand in June 2014

He fell out of favour under former head coach Stuart Lancaster and has failed to earn a recall under Jones, prompting him to accept a move to French Top 14 side Toulon.

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England refuse to select overseas players - except in "exceptional circumstances" - making Ashton's prospects of adding to his 39 caps extremely remote.

Image: Wales flanker Justin Tipuric is one of several players from the Home Nations set to line up for the Barbarians against England

Since leaving Saracens for France, Ashton has scored 24 tries in his first league campaign - a Top 14 record.

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The Barbarians squad to play England

Backs: Niyi Adeolokun (Connacht/IRL), Bundee Aki (Connacht/IRL), Chris Ashton (Toulon/ENG), Greig Laidlaw (Clermont/SCO), Luke McAlister (Toulon/NZL), AJ McGinty (Sale/USA), Charles Piutau (Ulster/NZL), Semi Radradra (Toulon), Josua Tuisova (Toulon/FIJ), Rhodri Williams (Dragons/WAL)

Forwards: John Afoa (Gloucester/NZL), Ultan Dillane (Connacht/IRL), Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Toulon/ARG), Ramiro Herrera (Stade Francais/ARG), Benjamin Kayser (Clermont/FRA), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Leicester/AUS), Sateki Timani (Clermont/AUS), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys/WAL), Loni Uhila (Clermont), Flip van der Merwe (Clermont/RSA), Victor Vito (La Rochelle/NZL)

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