England fly-half George Ford is staying put, having inked a fresh three-year contract with Sale Sharks. A key figure in English rugby, Ford's decision comes amidst turning down a move to the controversial R360 league and attractive offers from France's Top 14. Opting instead to cement his legacy in the North West, Ford’s commitment is a major coup for the Sharks.
Ford, who has become a pivotal player since joining Sale in the 2022/23 season, has already racked up 44 caps for the club. His performance this season has been electric, propelling Sale to victories in two of their first three games and making a strong case for his inclusion in England's squad for the Autumn Nations Series.
“It’s brilliant to have the contract agreed. I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I’ve loved representing the north. The importance of that isn’t lost on me. I drive from Saddleworth to Carrington every day, and I can see the city in the distance and it makes me incredibly proud,” Ford expressed.
“I’m proud to represent the region and the people up here, and I want to inspire the next generation,”
Ford’s ambitions with Sale are clear, as he aims to push the team to new heights. “As a team, we want to take the next step, and I’m more determined than ever to help us do that. The ambition from the club is obvious and I know we’re going to achieve great things in the future, but we’re at our best when we focus on the next game,” he stated.
Apart from his professional commitments, Ford's personal life plays a significant role in his decision to stay grounded in the North West. “You don’t make a decision like this just on rugby, there’s loads more to consider. My wife is running four restaurants as well as being a full-time mum and to be around to help and support her in any way I can is so important to me. That’s played a big part in us being so settled and happy here,” he revealed.
Sale Sharks' director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, also commented on Ford’s re-signing, noting his critical role both on and off the pitch. “George is in the form of his life and he’s a player we’ve built a team around. He’s the sort of player who attracts top-quality players to want to play for the club because they all want to learn from him,” Sanderson remarked.
“He’s one of the first people I speak to post-game and confide in ahead of the challenge of responding to a win or a loss, because of the way he sees the game. As much as he inspires the players, he inspires the coaches too,”
This contract renewal not only secures Ford's immediate future but also reinforces Sale Sharks' ambitions on the rugby map, proving that the club’s future is in capable hands.
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England fly-half George Ford is staying put, having inked a fresh three-year contract with Sale Sharks. A key figure in English rugby, Ford's decision comes amidst turning down a move to the controversial R360 league and attractive offers from France's Top 14. Opting instead to cement his legacy in the North West, Ford’s commitment is a major coup for the Sharks.
Ford, who has become a pivotal player since joining Sale in the 2022/23 season, has already racked up 44 caps for the club. His performance this season has been electric, propelling Sale to victories in two of their first three games and making a strong case for his inclusion in England's squad for the Autumn Nations Series.
“It’s brilliant to have the contract agreed. I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I’ve loved representing the north. The importance of that isn’t lost on me. I drive from Saddleworth to Carrington every day, and I can see the city in the distance and it makes me incredibly proud,” Ford expressed.
“I’m proud to represent the region and the people up here, and I want to inspire the next generation,”
Ford’s ambitions with Sale are clear, as he aims to push the team to new heights. “As a team, we want to take the next step, and I’m more determined than ever to help us do that. The ambition from the club is obvious and I know we’re going to achieve great things in the future, but we’re at our best when we focus on the next game,” he stated.
Apart from his professional commitments, Ford's personal life plays a significant role in his decision to stay grounded in the North West. “You don’t make a decision like this just on rugby, there’s loads more to consider. My wife is running four restaurants as well as being a full-time mum and to be around to help and support her in any way I can is so important to me. That’s played a big part in us being so settled and happy here,” he revealed.
Sale Sharks' director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, also commented on Ford’s re-signing, noting his critical role both on and off the pitch. “George is in the form of his life and he’s a player we’ve built a team around. He’s the sort of player who attracts top-quality players to want to play for the club because they all want to learn from him,” Sanderson remarked.
“He’s one of the first people I speak to post-game and confide in ahead of the challenge of responding to a win or a loss, because of the way he sees the game. As much as he inspires the players, he inspires the coaches too,”
This contract renewal not only secures Ford's immediate future but also reinforces Sale Sharks' ambitions on the rugby map, proving that the club’s future is in capable hands.