George Ford: The England Rugby World Cup star made in Greater Manchester - his hometown and famous father

Sale Sharks star George Ford is England’s man of the moment. 

And the star fly half who fired Steve Borthwick’s side to a memorable 27-10 win over Argentina in the Rugby World Cup hasn’t just got links to Greater Manchester because he’s now playing for Sale in the Gallagher Premiership. Ford can trace his roots back to the area and he’s certainly doing us proud over in France.

Where is George Ford from? 

George Thomas Ford was born in Oldham on March 16, 1993. 

Who is George Ford’s father?

Ford is certainly part of a sporting family. His dad Mike Ford is a legend in rugby league. As well as having two spells with hometown club Oldham, he played for Wigan, Castleford and Great Britain. Ford senior also ventured to Australia to play for Sydney Roosters and South Queensland Crushers. He led a takeover of Oldham’s Roughyeds in March and is currently acting as the club’s interim head coach. His coaching talents have been more prominent in the 15-man code though as an ex-England and British Lions assistant coach among other posts over the last 20 years. George’s older brother Joe is the head coach of rugby union side Doncaster Knights having played for Leeds, Sale and Leicester.

Has George Ford been helping out at Oldham? 

Back in March following his takeover, dad Mike said his son could help out mentoring some of the players in rugby league’s League 1. He said: “We’ve talked about that, me and George. To have guest sessions with people like George and (fellow Oldham rugby star) Kyle Eastmond, and George will do a bit of that for sure. They’ll bring something different and every now and again, the lads here will get some sessions with them.”

What junior teams did George Ford play for? 

Given his father’s background a career in rugby league looked to be on the cards for young Geroge when he turned out for Saddelworth Rangers and Waterhead. Rugby union took over when he attended Rishworth School near Halifax but a return to the 13-man game hasn’t been ruled out before the end of his playing days. 

Who has George Ford played for in his career? 

He signed for Leicester Tigers aged 16 and turned professional at Welford Road. He left in 2013 to join Bath, returning for a second Tigers spell four years later. Ford has been nearer to home with Sale since 2022. 

How many times has George Ford played for England?

Since making his debut in 2014, Ford has a fine 85 England caps. He’s also played for England Under 18s, Under 20s and the England Saxons side. After appearing at the 2015 and 2019 editions, the 2023 tournament is Ford’s third Rugby World Cup.