Renowned English fly-half, George Ford, is reportedly contemplating a switch in rugby codes, and his father, Mike Ford, is eagerly anticipating the possibility. As a former coach for Bath Rugby and the current managing director of Oldham Rugby League Club, Mike Ford remains sanguine about the idea of reuniting with his son on the field, this time in the realm of rugby league.
The Ford family has a profound connection with Oldham, with Mike having competed in over 150 matches for the local club. Despite commencing his career with Wigan, he remains steadfast in his commitment to rejuvenating his hometown rugby team. Following in his father’s footsteps, George Ford, akin to his England teammate Owen Farrell, seemed destined for a career in rugby league, having been part of the Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls academies before joining Leicester Tigers at the age of 16.
With a fervent wish to witness Oldham Rugby League Club reclaim its former eminence, Mike Ford is appealing to the community to engage and endorse the team. “For the club to flourish and reclaim its rightful place, we must do so as a town,” Ford articulated, encouraging the community to contribute by purchasing scarves, season tickets, or simply bringing a friend to the games to manifest their support.
Looking ahead, Mike Ford also aspires for George to consider one final challenge before concluding his rugby union career by making a return to rugby league, potentially playing for Oldham. “I am hopeful that when he reaches 35 or 36, he determines that he has one more challenge in him,” Ford remarked, underscoring his yearning to witness his son donning the league jersey once more.
While George Ford has cemented his position in the England team and has made numerous appearances alongside Owen Farrell, his place in the squad was jeopardized due to Farrell’s absence from international duties. Despite facing criticism for his performances during the early stages of the 2024 Six Nations, Ford managed to alter opinions, particularly during England’s final match against France. The 31-year-old is on the cusp of reaching the milestone of 100 Test caps for the Red Rose, having recently earned his 96th cap against France in the final round.
It is apparent that Mike Ford’s aspiration for his son transcends mere sporting triumphs and professional accomplishments; he envisions a future where George returns to their hometown and contributes to the community through his involvement in Oldham Rugby League Club. The possibility of witnessing a father and son pair on the rugby league field undoubtedly injects an element of enthusiasm and curiosity into the sporting world.