Ashton targets flying start

England wing Chris Ashton is aiming to rediscover his best form at Saracens after moving from Premiership rivals Northampton.

The Wigan-born player made an impressive start to his England career, scoring 15 tries in his first 17 Tests, including a length-of-the-field effort against Australia at Twickenham in November 2010.

But he has not maintained that strike-rate, failing to score a try in his last nine Test appearances.

Ashton is keen to rediscover his scoring touch for England but is first concentrating on settling in at his new club.

"It's like the first day at school! I'm looking forward to it," he told Sky Sports News.

"A new start, a new challenge, I can't wait to get in there and get going.

"I've had two weeks off and am already sick of being sat at home. I want to get in there and get started. I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully it will go well."

He added: "I'm learning all the time. That game (against Australia) was right at the start of my England career so I'd like to think I'm a lot more experienced now and confident. Hopefully I can come back."

England went down to a 2-0 series loss in South Africa during their summer tour, Ashton started all three matches including the drawn dead rubber in Port Elizabeth.

Stuart Lancaster's side take on Australia, South Africa and New Zealand on consecutive weekends at Twickenham this autumn, a challenge Ashton is relishing.

"South Africa is one we're going to be looking towards," he said. "Going over there was pretty tough on us. I think we'll be ready for them coming over here on our home ground. I'm looking forward to that one especially.

"New Zealand of course is always a good game and a chance for us to see where we're at with all the big teams coming over."