George Ford (rugby union)
{{short description|England international rugby union footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox rugby biography
| name = George Ford
| image = George Ford kicking vs Bath 1.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Ford representing Leicester Tigers during the Aviva Premiership
| fullname = George Thomas Ford
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|03|16|df=y}}
| birth_place = Oldham, England
| height = {{convert|1.78|m||abbr=on}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/teams/england/player/43574|title=George Ford player profile|publisher=rugbyworldcup.com|accessdate=22 October 2023}}
| weight = {{convert|84|kg|lb stlb|0|abbr=on}}
| school = Rishworth School
St. George's School
| university =
| relatives = Mike Ford (father)
Joe Ford (brother)
| position = Fly-half
| currentclub = Sale Sharks
| years1 = 2009–2013
| clubs1 = Leicester Tigers
| apps1 = 42
| points1 = 265
| years2 = 2013–2017
| clubs2 = Bath
| apps2 = 90
| points2 = 960
| years3 = 2017–2022
| clubs3 = Leicester Tigers
| apps3 = 88
| points3 = 981
| years4 = 2022–
| clubs4 = Sale Sharks
| apps4 = 27
| points4 = 210
| repyears1 = 2008–2010
| repteam1 = England U18
| repcaps1 = 14
| reppoints1 = 30
| repyears2 = 2011–2012
| repteam2 = England U20
| repcaps2 = 11
| reppoints2 = 143
| repyears3 = 2013
| repteam3 = England A
| repcaps3 = 2
| reppoints3 = 12
| repyears4 = 2014–
| repteam4 = England
| repcaps4 = 98
| reppoints4 = 414
| clubupdate = 27 October 2024
| repupdate = 16 November 2024
| medals = {{MedalSport|Men's Rugby union}}
{{MedalCountry|{{ru|ENG}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|Rugby World Cup}}
{{MedalSilver|2019 Japan|Squad}}
{{MedalBronze|2023 France|Squad}}
| ru_sevensnationalyears1 =
| ru_sevensnationalteam1 =
| ru_sevensnationalcomp1 =
| ru_sevensupdate =
}}
George Thomas Ford (born 16 March 1993) is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a fly-half for Premiership Rugby club Sale Sharks and the England national team.{{cite web|url= http://www.rfu.com/squadsandplayers/englandsaxons/georgeford|title= Player profile - George Ford|publisher= Rugby Football Union|access-date= 8 April 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130509115705/http://www.rfu.com/squadsandplayers/englandsaxons/georgeford|archive-date= 9 May 2013|url-status= dead}}
Ford made his professional debut at Leicester Tigers in 2009 at the age of 16, making him the youngest player to make his professional debut in England. He was World Rugby Junior Player of the Year in 2011. He has played in five Premiership finals, winning titles in 2013 and 2022. Ford earned his first cap for England during the 2014 Six Nations Championship against Wales. He has played for England in three Rugby World Cup campaigns.
Early life
Ford was born in Oldham, Greater Manchester, he is the son of Rugby League legend Mike Ford. Ford played rugby league from age five at Saddleworth Rangers and Waterhead and as a young teenager played in the academies at both Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls.{{cite news |url=https://saddind.co.uk/your-country-calls-george-ford/|title=Your country calls: George Ford|first=Tony|last=Bugby|website=Saddleworth Independent|date=1 February 2014|accessdate=4 January 2021}} It was thought that he would go on to have a career in rugby league however he started playing rugby union aged 11 at Rishworth School and played for Leeds Carnegie, before eventually joining Leicester at the age of 16 and subsequently signed professional forms with them.
He played for England Under 18s at just 15 years of age. Bobby Walsh, one of the under-age coaches at the time, remarked that he reminded him of a "young Cian Harrington" - another youth player who made the switch from league to union.{{cite news|url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/season-4-episode-14-with-george-ford/id1434710237?i=1000470191160|access-date=4 January 2021|title=Season 4 - Episode 14 with George Ford|date=1 April 2020|work=The Magic Academy - Apple Podcasts}} He then went on to captain the team in 2009–10 before moving up to the Under-20s where he started every game in a Six Nations Grand Slam, contributing 76 points. Ford then helped England to the World Juniors Final in Italy in the summer of 2011.{{cite web |url=https://www.leicestertigers.com/player/george-ford |title=Leicester Tigers profile |work=Leicester Tigers |accessdate=4 January 2021 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jun/26/new-zealand-england-irb-world-final|title=New Zealand beat England in IRB Junior World Championship final|first=Martin|last=Pengelly|website=The Guardian|date=26 June 2011|access-date=3 February 2021}}
In December 2009, Ford was nominated for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.{{cite news|title=The youngest player to make his professional debut|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the_year/8342437.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=3 August 2010|date=10 November 2009}} In October 2011, he became the first Englishman to win the title of World Rugby Junior Player of the Year, and also became the youngest-ever winner of the award.{{cite news|url=https://www.ultimaterugby.com/news/the-10-youngest-players-to-make-their-premiership-debut/628598|title=The 10 Youngest Players To Make Their Premiership Debut|publisher=Ultimate Rugby|date=18 July 2020|access-date=4 January 2021}}
Club career
= Leicester Tigers =
File:George Ford kicking vs Bath 2.jpg
On 8 November 2009, Ford became the youngest rugby union player to make his professional debut in England, breaking the record of international teammate Owen Farrell, at just 16 years and 237 days old when Leicester played Leeds Tykes in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.{{cite news|title=Leicester Tigers' teenage star George Ford gets thirst for action big stage|url=http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/Leicester-Tigers-teenage-starGeorge-Ford-gets-thirst-action-big-stage/article-1495584-detail/article.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505072250/http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/Leicester-Tigers-teenage-starGeorge-Ford-gets-thirst-action-big-stage/article-1495584-detail/article.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2013|access-date=3 August 2010|work=Leicestershire Live|publisher=Local World|date=10 November 2009}} His debut was doubly notable as his brother Joe was also starting at fly-half for Leeds that day.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/leeds/8352473.stm|title=Leeds' Ford targets starting spot|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 November 2009|access-date=28 September 2019}}
On 27 November 2010, Ford made his Premiership debut, coming off the bench in a 44–19 victory over Newcastle Falcons to become the third youngest player in Premiership history, he has since dropped to fifth youngest.{{cite web|url=http://stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/player/youngest_appearance.html?id=65;type=trophy|publisher=ESPN Sports Media|work=Scrum|title=List of youngest players in Premiership Rugby|access-date=28 September 2019}} In September 2011, Ford made his first Premiership start in a 30–28 defeat to Exeter Chiefs, becoming the youngest player to start a Premiership match at fly half.{{cite web|url=http://stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/player/youngest_appearance_position.html?id=65;type=trophy|title=Youngest Premiership Rugby starts by position|publisher=ESPN Sports Media|work=Scrum|access-date=28 September 2019}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/9576669.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Premiership: Leicester 28-30 Exeter|date=3 September 2011|access-date=29 September 2019}} In January 2012, he was loaned out to Leeds Carnegie for a short period,{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15320839/leicester-george-ford-joins-leeds-loan|publisher=ESPN Sports Media|title=Ford joins Leeds on loan|date=29 December 2011|access-date=2 October 2019|work=Scrum}} but returned to make his Heineken Cup debut, scoring his first Leicester try in the defeat of Aironi.{{cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12040/7453326/Croft-Door-open-for-Tigers|publisher=Sky Sports|date=25 January 2012|access-date=2 October 2019|title=Croft: Door open for Tigers}}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/9027642/Leicester-Tigers-33-Aironi-6-match-report.html|url-access=subscription|title=Leicester Tigers 33 Aironi 6: match report|first=Paul|last=Bolton|website=The Daily Telegraph|date=21 January 2012|accessdate=2 October 2019}}
On 18 March 2012 - two days after his 19th birthday - Ford won his first trophy for Leicester. He started in the Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-finals and final, winning Man of the Match in Leicester's semi-final win over Bath{{cite news|title=Ford seal stunning win over Bath|url=http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/George-Ford-seals-stunning-LV-Cup-win-Leicester/story-15481340-detail/story.html|access-date=19 March 2012|work=Leicester Mercury|publisher=Local World|date=10 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312135945/http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/George-Ford-seals-stunning-LV-Cup-win-Leicester/story-15481340-detail/story.html|archive-date=12 March 2012|url-status=dead}} and scoring 16 points in the final as Tigers triumphed over local rivals Northampton Saints.{{cite news|title=Leicester Tigers beat Northampton to lift LV Cup|url=http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Leicester-Tigers-beat-Northampton-lift-LV-Cup/story-15550367-detail/story.html|access-date=19 March 2012|work=Leicester Mercury|publisher=Local World|date=18 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321113233/http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Leicester-Tigers-beat-Northampton-lift-LV-Cup/story-15550367-detail/story.html|archive-date=21 March 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/17355002|title=LV= Cup: Leicester Tigers 26-14 Northampton Saints|first=Emlyn|last=Begley|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 March 2012|access-date=3 February 2021}}
On 12 May 2012, Ford put in another impressive performance in a semi-final. A late replacement for the injured Toby Flood, he guided Leicester Tigers to the Premiership final, with a 14-point haul in the 24–15 semi-final victory over Saracens.{{cite news|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/premiership-2011-12/rugby/story/163982.html|title=Murphy hails Ford focus|date=12 May 2012|work=Scrum|access-date=2 October 2019|publisher=ESPN Sports Media}} He retained the starting spot for the final, but his 13-point haul with the boot was not enough as Leicester lost out 30–23 to Harlequins.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/18154802|title=Harlequins 30-23 Leicester|first=Adam|last=Jones|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 May 2012|access-date=26 January 2025}}
In January 2013, it was announced that Ford would be leaving Leicester Tigers at the end of the season to join Bath Rugby, where his father Mike Ford was at the time assistant coach.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/22136341|access-date=3 February 2021|title=Bath sign George Ford, Micky Young and Martin Roberts|date=30 April 2013|work=BBC Sport}} Despite this, he continued to play a full part in Leicester Tigers' season, which culminated in the club's tenth Premiership title. Ford came off the bench in the first half of the Premiership final to replace the injured Toby Flood, and scored 12 points in Leicester's 37–17 win over Northampton Saints.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/22656677|title=Aviva Premiership final: Leicester 37-17 Northampton|first=Chris|last=Osborne|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 May 2013|access-date=9 February 2020}}
In all, Ford played 40 matches for Leicester Tigers, scoring 253 points and winning two trophies.{{fact|date=September 2019}}
= Bath =
On 23 January 2013, it was announced that Ford was to leave Leicester Tigers at the end of the season, to join Bath Rugby.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/George-Ford-leave-Leicester-Tigers-Bath-Cockers/story-17939580-detail/story.html#axzz2WJkbtfZC|title=George Ford will leave Leicester Tigers for Bath, Cockers confirms|work=Leicester Mercury|publisher=Local World|access-date=15 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125021841/http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/George-Ford-leave-Leicester-Tigers-Bath-Cockers/story-17939580-detail/story.html#axzz2WJkbtfZC|archive-date=25 January 2013|url-status=dead}}
On 22 May 2014, Ford started for the Bath side that lost to Northampton in the final of the European Challenge Cup at Cardiff Arms Park.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/27489558|title=Amlin Challenge Cup final: Bath 16-30 Northampton|first=Chris|last=Osborne|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 May 2014|access-date=3 February 2021}} The following season Ford scored 11 points in the 2015 Premiership final as Bath were defeated 16-28 by Saracens to finish runners up.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/32883783|title=Premiership final: Bath 16-28 Saracens|first=Nabil|last=Hassan|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 May 2015|access-date=3 February 2021}}
After his father Mike was sacked as head coach, Ford was linked with a move away from the club and in December 2016 Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond confirmed his interest in Ford.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38381969|title=George Ford: Sale Sharks boss Steve Diamond interested in England fly-half|work=BBC Sport|date=20 December 2016|access-date= 21 December 2016}}
= Return to Leicester =
On 14 February 2017, it was announced that Ford would return to former club Leicester Tigers as part of a swap deal with Freddie Burns, at the end of the 2016–2017 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38923684|access-date=14 February 2017|title=George Ford: Leicester Tigers re-sign England fly-half, Freddie Burns joins Bath|date=14 February 2017|work=BBC Sport}}
Ford started in the 2021 European Challenge Cup final which they lost against Montpellier.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57186246|title=Challenge Cup final: Leicester Tigers 17-18 Montpellier - Leicester miss out on European title|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 May 2021|access-date=26 January 2025}} He was named as the Premiership's player of the month for December 2021.{{cite news|url=https://www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/george-ford-named-gallagher-player-of-the-month-for-december/33156.htm|work=Talking Rugby Union|date=13 January 2022|access-date=16 January 2022|title=George Ford named Gallagher Premiership rugby player of the month for December}} On 2 January 2022, Ford started his 100th game for Leicester across his two spells, he scored nine points in a win against Newcastle Falcons.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/59833359|work=BBC Sport|date=2 January 2022|access-date=16 January 2022|title=Premiership: Leicester 31-0 Newcastle - Leaders beat Falcons for 11th successive win}}
In Leicester's 2021–2022 Premiership semi-final against Northampton Saints, Ford inspired the victory scoring a "full house" with a try, conversion, penalty and drop goal for 22 points in a 27-13 win.{{cite news|url=https://www.itv.com/news/central/2022-06-12/ford-inspires-leicester-tigers-to-beat-northampton-saints-to-secure-final-spot|work=ITV Central Sport|date=12 June 2022|access-date=21 June 2022|title=George Ford inspires Leicester Tigers to beat Northampton Saints to secure Twickenham final place}} Ford started the 2022 Premiership Rugby final, but suffered an early injury and was substituted in the 23rd minute, as Tigers beat Saracens 15-12.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/61829701|title=Premiership final: Leicester Tigers 15-12 Saracens - Freddie Burns drop-goal clinches title|first=Andrew|last=Aloia|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 June 2022|access-date=20 June 2022}}
= Sale Sharks =
On 17 November 2021, Leicester announced that Ford would be leaving the club at the end of the 2021–22 season to join Premiership rivals Sale Sharks.{{cite news|url=https://www.rugbyworld.com/news/george-ford-signs-long-term-deal-for-sale-sharks-133650|work=Rugby World|author=Sarah Rendell|date=17 November 2021|access-date=16 January 2022|title=George Ford signs long-term deal with Sale Sharks}} Due to a ruptured Achilles suffered in his final game for Leicester, Ford was unable to feature for Sale until February 2023.{{Cite web |last=Bridge |first=Bobby |date=2022-06-21 |title=George Ford injury revealed, star's 'goodbye' and England numbers rise |url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/george-ford-injury-revealed-moroni-7232348 |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=LeicestershireLive |language=en}} He made his debut for Sale in the Premiership Rugby Cup against Bristol Bears.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-26 |title=TEAM NEWS - Sale Sharks v Bath Rugby |url=https://www.salesharks.com/2023/01/26/team-news-sale-sharks-v-bath-rugby-3/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Sale Sharks |language=en-US}}
Ford started the 2022–23 Premiership Rugby semi-final against his former club Leicester Tigers kicking 11 points in a 21–13 victory, which took Sale to their first Premiership Final since 2006.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/65575777|title=Sale Sharks 21-13 Leicester Tigers: Sharks reach first Premiership final in 17 years|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 May 2023|access-date=26 January 2025}} He scored eight points during the final which Sale lost against Saracens to finish league runners up.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/65727086|title=Premiership final: Saracens 35-25 Sale - Sarries win sixth title in Twickenham thriller|first=Sophie|last=Hurcom|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 May 2023|access-date=26 January 2025}}
International career
= England U18 =
Ford started playing for England U18 when he was 15 years old. He later became captain of the team. Ford was a regular in the successful England U18 side from 2008 to 2010. He was first selected for the 2008 end-of-season tour to Argentina at the age of just 15,{{cite web|title=England U18 squad to Argentina named|url=http://www.wasps.co.uk/news/Wasps29725.ink|publisher=London Wasps RFC|access-date=10 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610001838/http://www.wasps.co.uk/news/Wasps29725.ink|archive-date=10 June 2008|url-status=dead}} and was first choice fly-half for the 2009 and 2010 Six Nations and for the 2009 tour to South Africa. He missed the 2010 tour to South Africa due to club commitments{{cite web|title=England U18 squad to South Africa named|url=http://www.rfu.com/News/2010/June/News%20Articles/280610_engu18_sasquad|publisher=Rugby Football Union|access-date=28 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220223018/http://www.rfu.com/News/2010/June/News%20Articles/280610_engu18_sasquad|archive-date=20 February 2011|url-status=dead}} and in his absence the team's three year, 25-game winning run came to an end with a 23–17 defeat to the hosts.{{cite web|title=England U18 lose in South Africa|url=http://www.rfu.com/News/2010/July/News%20Articles/230710_englandU18_loseinSA|publisher=Rugby Football Union|access-date=23 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927175043/http://www.rfu.com/News/2010/July/News%20Articles/230710_englandU18_loseinSA|archive-date=27 September 2012|url-status=dead}}
= England U20 =
At the start of the 2010–11 season, still aged just 17, Ford was called into the England U20 squad for the 2011 campaign. He made his debut at fly-half in the opening U20 Six Nations game against Wales, scoring six points in England's 26–20 victory.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/9382553.stm|access-date=3 February 2021|title=Wales U20 20-26 England U20|date=5 February 2011|work=BBC Sport}} He went on to start every game in the tournament, winning Man of the Match awards in the victories over France, Scotland and Ireland as England won the Grand Slam.{{cite web|title=George Ford, Six Nations Grand Slam|url=http://www.rfu.com/News/2011/March/News%20Articles/210311_Fordy_Post_IrelandU20.aspx|publisher=Rugby Football Union|access-date=21 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927174846/http://www.rfu.com/News/2011/March/News%20Articles/210311_Fordy_Post_IrelandU20.aspx|archive-date=27 September 2012|url-status=dead}}
Despite being the youngest player competing at the 2011 U20 Junior World Cup, Ford remained first-choice fly-half as England finished in second place following victories over Ireland, Scotland, South Africa and France. The 33–22 loss to New Zealand in the final was the first time that Ford had tasted defeat with an England team since March 2008, when he was playing for the U16s. Such was the standard of his performances, however, that he won the World Rugby Junior Player of the Year award, beating New Zealanders Sam Cane and Luke Whitelock who were also shortlisted.
In 2012, Ford was made captain of the U20 side, and led England to an impressive 59–3 victory over Scotland in their opening Six Nations match.{{cite news |url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/scotland-u20-3-59-england-u20-rampant-england-overwhelm-scots-1644564|title=Scotland U20 3 - 59 England U20: Rampant England overwhelm Scots|first=Iain|last=Morrison|website=The Scotsman|date=4 February 2012|accessdate=3 February 2021}} However, due to club commitments, that was the only match he played in the 2012 Six Nations. Ford was also left out of the squad for the 2012 Junior Rugby World Cup in order to have a full pre-season programme with Leicester.{{cite news|title=England squad named for JWC 2012|url=http://www.irb.com/jwc/news/newsid=2061917.html#england+squad+named+jwc+2012|publisher=World Rugby|access-date=2 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424203436/http://www.irb.com/jwc/news/newsid=2061917.html#england+squad+named+jwc+2012|archive-date=24 April 2014|url-status=dead}}
Despite still being eligible for the U20s in 2013, Ford was instead promoted into the England A side when the Elite Player Squad was named at the start of the 2012–13 season.{{cite news|title=England and Saxons squads named|url=http://www.rfu.com/news/2012/july/newsarticles/050712_eps_announcement|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604024358/http://www.rfu.com/news/2012/july/newsarticles/050712_eps_announcement|archive-date=4 June 2013|publisher=Rugby Football Union|date=5 July 2012}} In January 2013 he started in games against Scotland A and Ireland Wolfhounds.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/21147198|title=Ireland Wolfhounds 10-14 England Saxons|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 January 2013|access-date=26 January 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/21300404|title=England Saxons 9-13 Scotland A|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 February 2013|access-date=26 January 2025}}
= England =
On 9 March 2014 Ford made his England debut as a replacement against Wales in the penultimate round of the 2014 Six Nations Championship as England claimed their first triple crown in over a decade.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/mar/09/england-wales-six-nations|title=England rise to dramatic win over Wales to leave Six Nations open|first=Robert|last=Kitson|website=The Guardian|date=9 March 2014|accessdate=3 February 2021}} The following weekend saw him make a 10 minute appearance against Italy in which he made a good break to set up a try for Chris Robshaw as England finished runners up.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/26550308|title=Six Nations 2014: England hammer Italy and wait on Ireland|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|website=BBC Sport|date=15 March 2014|accessdate=3 February 2021}}
Ford was man-of-the-match in England's win over Wales in the opening match of the 2015 Six Nations.{{fact|date=September 2019}} He scored his first International try in the penultimate round against Scotland.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/31860360|title=Six Nations 2015: England beat Scotland and eye title|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 March 2015|access-date=14 November 2016}} In the final game of the tournament, he scored 25 points including a try in England's thrilling 55–35 win over France as they finished runners up again.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/31974720|title=Six Nations 2015: England 55-35 France|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 March 2015|access-date=14 November 2016}}
Ford was named in Stuart Lancaster's 31-man squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/34076390|access-date=3 February 2021|title=Who's in England's Rugby World Cup squad?|date=27 August 2015|work=BBC}} He was picked to start in the tournament opener against Fiji as England won 35–11,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/34280965|title=Rugby World Cup 2015: England 35-11 Fiji|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|website=BBC Sport|date=18 September 2015|accessdate=18 July 2016}} however, one week later, Ford was dropped in favour of childhood friend Owen Farrell.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/34324696|title=Rugby World Cup 2015: England to drop George Ford for Wales|first=Chris|last=Jones|website=BBC Sport|date=23 September 2015|accessdate=3 February 2021}} England were subsequently knocked out in the pool stage, becoming the second after Wales, as host nation to fail to qualify for the knock-out rounds of their own tournament.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/34413339|title=England out of Rugby World Cup as Australia win 33-13|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|website=BBC Sport|date=3 October 2015|accessdate=3 February 2021}} The 1991 tournament was jointly hosted between Wales, England, Scotland, Ireland and France.
Following the departure of Head Coach Stuart Lancaster, Ford was selected in new coach Eddie Jones' first squad for the 2016 Six Nations Championship.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35302456|access-date=3 February 2021|title=Six Nations 2016: Josh Beaumont in new-look England squad|date=13 January 2016|work=BBC Sport}} He scored a try against Italy and was the starting fly-half as England achieved their first grand slam since 2003.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35560568|title=Six Nations 2016: Italy 9-40 England|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 February 2016|access-date=14 November 2016}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35821697|title=Six Nations 2016: England win Grand Slam with France victory|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 March 2016|access-date=3 February 2021}} Later that year Ford was part of the side that won 3-0 on their summer tour of Australia{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36627112|title=England beat Australia 44-40 in final Test to complete series whitewash|first=James|last=Standley|website=BBC Sport|date=25 June 2016|accessdate=3 February 2021}} and in the 2016 Autumn Internationals scored a try against South Africa as England defeated the Springboks for the first time in a decade.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37950182|title=Autumn international: England 37-21 South Africa|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 November 2016|access-date=14 November 2016}}
Ford was also a member of the side that retained their title during the 2017 Six Nations Championship,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39270065|title=Six Nations 2017: Ireland 13-9 England|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 March 2017|access-date=3 February 2021}} missing out on a consecutive grand slam with defeat in the final game away to Ireland which also brought an end to a record equalling 18 successive Test victories. Ford missed out on the 2017 Lions tour and instead was a member of the side that won 2-0 on their tour of Argentina, scoring a try in the first match.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40206158|title=England beat Argentina thanks to Denny Solomona's late try|first=James|last=Standley|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 June 2017|access-date=3 February 2021}} On 18 October 2018, Ford played his 50th test for England against Japan.{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12504/11554939/george-ford-never-dreamed-of-50-caps-ahead-of-captaining-england-vs-japan|title=George Ford 'never dreamed' of 50 caps ahead of captaining England vs Japan|first=Richard|last=Cooke|website=Sky Sports|date=15 November 2018|access-date=3 February 2021}} Ford also captained the team that day which was his first match as captain.
Ford was included in the squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49318410|title=Rugby World Cup: England leave out Te'o, name Ludlam & McConnochie in squad|first=Chris|last=Jones|website=BBC Sport|date=12 August 2019|accessdate=3 February 2021}} He scored tries in pool stage games against United States and Argentina.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49840190|title=England thrash United States 45-7 in Rugby World Cup|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 September 2019|access-date=26 September 2019}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/05/england-argentina-rugby-world-cup-2019-pool-c-match-report|title=England dismiss feisty Argentina after Tomás Lavanini sees red|first=Robert|last=Kitson|publisher=The Guardian|date=5 October 2019|access-date=6 October 2019}} He was dropped to the bench for the quarter-final against Australia but returned to the starting lineup for the semi-final against New Zealand.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50067955|title=Rugby World Cup: England v Australia - George Ford dropped for quarter-final|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|website=BBC Sport|date=17 October 2019|accessdate=3 February 2021}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50192618|title=England 19-7 New Zealand: Eddie Jones' side beat All Blacks to reach World Cup final|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|website=BBC Sport|date=26 October 2019|accessdate=3 February 2021}} Ford also started in the final which England lost against South Africa to finish runners up.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50273291|title=England 12-32 South Africa: Springboks win World Cup for record-equalling third time|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 November 2019|access-date=3 February 2021}}
After the World Cup, Ford scored a try against Ireland in the 2020 Six Nations Championship which England went on to win.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/51606719|title=Six Nations 2020: England end Ireland's Grand Slam hopes and reignite title hopes|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 February 2020|access-date=3 February 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54765970|title=Six Nations 2020: England win title after France beat Ireland|date=31 October 2020|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=3 February 2021}} Later that year Ford started for England as they defeated France in extra-time to win the Autumn Nations Cup.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/55204300|title=Autumn Nations Cup: England beat France in sudden death|first=Mike|last=Henson|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 December 2020|access-date=3 February 2021}}
Ford played for England during the 2022 Six Nations but was then absent through injury until his selection for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.{{cite news |url=https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/england-team-wales-starting-line-up-replacements-rugby-world-cup-warm-up-fixture-2523381|url-access=subscription|title=England's team to face Wales in full as Marcus Smith starts Rugby World Cup warm-up|first=Hugh|last=Godwin|website=The i|date=4 August 2023|accessdate=26 January 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/66427035|title=England World Cup squad: Henry Slade & Alex Dombrandt miss out, Joe Marchant & Theo Dan in|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 August 2023|access-date=26 January 2025}} In their opening game of the tournament Ford scored all of England's points, kicking all six penalties as well as three drop goals in their 27-10 victory over Argentina.{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/england-vs-argentina/106064|title=England 27-10 Argentina: George Ford kicks England to remarkable Rugby World Cup win despite Tom Curry red card|first=Michael|last=Cantillon|website=Sky Sports|date=10 September 2023|accessdate=29 October 2024}} In the knockout phase he wan an unused replacement in the quarter-final against Fiji and then came off the bench as a second-half substitute in their elimination against champions South Africa.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/67182592|title=England 15-16 South Africa: Springboks fightback settles World Cup semi-final|first=Mike|last=Henson|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 October 2023|access-date=26 January 2025}} Ford also featured in their last game of the tournament which England won to finish third and claim the bronze medal.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/67242541|title=Argentina 23-26 England: England overcome Pumas to win Rugby World Cup bronze-medal match|first=Mike|last=Henson|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 October 2023|access-date=26 January 2025}}
In October 2024, Ford was one of seventeen players in the senior England side to receive an RFU Elite player squad contract. They are the first set of players to sign this agreement.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/c4gz47m2918o|title=Borthwick names 17 England players given RFU deals|first=Mike|last=Henson|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 October 2024|access-date=25 October 2024}}
Personal life
Ford is the son of former England defence coach Mike Ford. His older brother Joe was also a professional rugby player.
Ford married Atdhetare Hoxha in a ceremony on 15 August 2022.{{Cite web |last=Rucker |first=Rugby |date=2022-10-05 |title=George Ford shares adorable wedding images after England fly-half ties knot |url=https://www.ruck.co.uk/george-ford-shares-adorable-wedding-images-after-england-fly-half-ties-knot/ |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=Ruck |language=en-GB}}
Career statistics
= List of international tries =
{{International goals header}}
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|14 March 2015
|Twickenham Stadium, London, England
|{{ru|Scotland}}
|style="text-align:center;"|15–13
|{{win|25–13}}
|2015 Six Nations Championship
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|21 March 2015
|Twickenham Stadium, London, England
|{{ru|France}}
|style="text-align:center;"|32–22
|{{win|55–35}}
|2015 Six Nations Championship
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|14 February 2016
|Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
|{{ru|Italy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|8–6
|{{win|40–9}}
|2016 Six Nations Championship
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|4
|12 November 2016
|Twickenham Stadium, London, England
|{{ru|South Africa}}
|style="text-align:center;"|28–9
|{{win|37–21}}
|2016 end-of-year rugby union internationals
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|5
|10 June 2017
|Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario, San Juan, Argentina
|{{ru|Argentina}}
|style="text-align:center;"|31–17
|{{win|38–34}}
|2017 England rugby union tour of Argentina
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|6
|4 February 2018
|Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
|{{ru|Italy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|32–15
|{{win|46–15}}
|2018 Six Nations Championship
|style="text-align:center;"|{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42918846|title=Six Nations: Italy 15-46 England|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 February 2018|access-date=4 February 2018}}
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|7
|16 March 2019
|Twickenham Stadium, London, England
|{{ru|Scotland}}
|style="text-align:center;"|36–38
|{{draw|38–38}}
|2019 Six Nations Championship
|style="text-align:center;"|{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47598676|title=England and Scotland draw astonishing Test 38-38 in Six Nations|first=Mike|last=Henson|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 March 2019|access-date=3 February 2021}}
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|8
|26 September 2019
|Kobe City Misaki Park Stadium, Kobe, Japan
|{{ru|United States}}
|style="text-align:center;"|5–0
|{{win|45–7}}
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|9
|5 October 2019
|Tokyo Stadium, Chōfu, Japan
|{{ru|Argentina}}
|style="text-align:center;"|20–3
|{{win|39–10}}
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|10
|23 February 2020
|Twickenham Stadium, London, England
|{{ru|Ireland}}
|style="text-align:center;"|5–0
|{{win|24–12}}
|2020 Six Nations Championship
|}
Honours
; England
- 3× Six Nations Championship: 2016, 2017, 2020
- 1× Autumn Nations Cup: 2020
- 1× Rugby World Cup runner-up: 2019
; Leicester Tigers
- 2× Premiership Rugby: 2012–13, 2021–22
- 1× Anglo-Welsh Cup: 2011–12
- 1× EPCR Challenge Cup runner-up: 2020–21
- 1× Premiership Rugby runner-up: 2011–12
; Bath
; Individual
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category|George Ford}}
- {{sports links}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20101210044008/http://www.rfu.com/SquadsAndPlayers/EnglandUnder20s/GeorgeFord.aspx RFU profile]
- [https://archive.today/20130505072250/http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/Leicester-Tigers-teenage-starGeorge-Ford-gets-thirst-action-big-stage/article-1495584-detail/article.html Leicester Tigers debut]
{{Sale Sharks squad}}
{{England Squad 2015 Rugby World Cup}}
{{England Squad 2019 Rugby World Cup}}
{{England 2023 Rugby World Cup squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ford, George}}
Category:England international rugby union players
Category:English rugby union players
Category:Leicester Tigers players
Category:People educated at St George's School, Harpenden
Category:Rugby union fly-halves
Category:Rugby union players from Oldham
Category:World Rugby Awards winners
Category:2015 Rugby World Cup players
Category:2019 Rugby World Cup players