George Ford, the 32-year-old England fly-half, has turned down a lucrative offer from the new rugby union start-up R360 to extend his career with Sale Sharks and maintain eligibility for England selection.
Ford, who has earned 102 caps for England, signed a new three-year contract with Sale Sharks, where he has made 44 appearances and scored 341 points since joining in 2022.
The England Rugby Football Union has confirmed that players joining R360's global circuit will be ineligible for international Test matches, a factor that influenced Ford's decision.
He expressed a strong desire to continue representing England, emphasizing his passion for playing in the national team and his satisfaction with his time at Sale Sharks.
R360 had planned to establish eight all-star men’s teams competing in major cities, but the initiative faced a coordinated ban from leading rugby unions including England, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Scotland, Australia, South Africa, and Italy.
These unions declared they would not select any players involved with R360 for international matches.
Northampton fly-half Fin Smith, also reportedly targeted by R360, similarly chose to extend his contract with his current club rather than join the new league.
Ford also declined other overseas offers to remain in the Premiership and keep his England prospects alive.
Sale Sharks’ director Alex Sanderson highlighted the financial incentives that R360 and other overseas leagues offer, estimating that moves to R360 could increase earnings by a third, while Japan and France offer even greater financial benefits due to tax breaks and lucrative contracts.
Despite this, Sanderson praised Ford’s commitment, calling him fundamental to the club’s future and a motivational leader both on and off the field.
Sanderson described Ford’s decision as a significant statement about the club’s direction and praised his influence on the team.
Sale Sharks have consistently reached the Premiership play-offs in recent seasons but have yet to secure the title.
Ford, who had limited playing time during the Six Nations earlier in the year, has positioned himself as the likely first-choice fly-half for England’s upcoming autumn campaign starting with a match against Australia on November 1.
Ford acknowledged the unprecedented depth of fly-half talent available to England, including former captain Owen Farrell, who is back in contention.
He emphasized focusing on his performance at Sale rather than selection speculation.
Sanderson expressed strong confidence in Ford’s abilities, stating that while other players might add more points in a game, Ford’s skill and decision-making make winning outcomes more certain.
Ford’s commitment to staying in England and prioritizing international rugby highlights his dedication to his country and club amid a shifting landscape in professional rugby.