England flyhalf George Ford has turned down a massive payday from the rebel R360 competition to keep his World Cup ambitions alive.
The 32-year-old confirmed he had been approached by the breakaway league – fronted by former England centre Mike Tindall – with a deal reportedly worth around £1-million (R23-million) a season.
But Ford, who reached the 100-Test milestone earlier this year, opted to stay put and has signed a new three-year contract with the Sale Sharks, keeping him eligible for England selection through to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
The veteran playmaker is expected to remain a key figure in Steve Borthwick’s squad as England look to build towards the next global showpiece.
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“As players, we understand what’s going on with trying to set up this new league and they did contact my agent to have discussions,” said Ford. “My decision-making was purely based on the fact that I love playing for England and I’ve got an unbelievable desire to keep playing for England. It’s the same with the Sale Sharks. I’ve loved my time here.
“It never really got any further than that with the conversations with the proposed new league. There were a couple of opportunities overseas but that would then mean that you’re calling time on your international career.
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“I’ve had three different experiences in the three World Cups I’ve been to. We didn’t make it out of the pool in 2015, lost the final in 2019 and lost the semi-final and then won the third place play-off in 2023.
“They all give valuable lessons but the real reason you do it is to win trophies. That feeling of satisfaction that you’ve actually gone and worked hard and smart to achieve something at the end of it – it’s a massive motivation. There’s no better motivation than winning for England. It’s not just about representing England, you want to be part of a winning team.”
Photo: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
The post Ford snubs rebel riches to chase RWC dream appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
England flyhalf George Ford has turned down a massive payday from the rebel R360 competition to keep his World Cup ambitions alive.
The post Ford snubs rebel riches to chase RWC dream appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
