Robinson: Blame Wigan for Ashton loss

Wigan only have themselves to blame for losing teenager Chris Ashton to rugby union, according to former player Jason Robinson.

The Warriors were unable to match the offer made to the 19-year-old full-back by Northampton, but Robinson defended the right of players to switch codes - and said Wigan were out of order to complain about Ashton's decision to move when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

He said: "If you've got a lad like Chris Ashton and you want to keep him, don't wait until six months or so to talk about a new contract. Make sure he is tied up and make sure you offer him something to keep him there."

He added: "There was a time when lots of players left rugby union to go and play rugby league. We've seen over the years that people can play both.

"If they've got somebody in rugby league they don't want to let go of, then sign them up on a long-term deal.

"It's sport and people move from one to another. If somebody wants to move from league to union and their contract's up, let them do it."