Eric Ashton MBE (24 January 1935 – 20 March 2008) was an English World Cup winning professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1950s and 1960s, and coached in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

Over the span of his career he came to be known as one of the best centres in the modern game and formed a devastating partnership with Billy Boston somewhat because of this combination he went on to represent the Great Britain national side making his début in 1957.

After signing for Wigan he quickly linked up with Welsh winger Billy Boston, and formed one of the most devastating right-hand side threequarters partnerships of modern times.

Ashton played at centre in the 8–13 defeat by Oldham in the 1956–57 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1957–58 season at Station Road, Swinton on Saturday 19 October 1957.

It's usually said that Ashton's greatest moment could have come in the 1962 tour to Australasia when while captaining Great Britain to an almost complete whitewash over the Australians, a last minute refereeing decision ruined the chance of this occurring.

He was coach and captain, played at centre and scored a conversion in the 20–16 victory over Hunslet in the 1964–65 Challenge Cup Final during the 1964–65 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 8 May 1965, in front of a crowd of 89,016.

Eric Ashton played at centre, and scored a try in Wigan's 16–13 victory over Oldham in the 1966–67 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1966–67 season at Station Road, Swinton, on Saturday 29 October 1966.

Only two men have played in, and coached Rugby League World Cup winning Great Britain sides, they are; Eric Ashton, and Jim Challinor.