The Ford rugby dynasty in safe hands

Mike Ford

While Mike Ford’s playing days have long been over — the former Oldham scrum-half and Roughyeds coach is now a key member of England RU’s backroom team — sons George and Joe have taken up the mantle.

The brothers had spells at all three local sides, Oldham St Anne’s, Saddleworth and Waterhead, at one stage or another as juniors and also represented Oldham at Service Area level.

But, like their dad, they have switched codes and their attentions are firmly fixed on carving out successful careers in union.

George (16) is a member of the Leicester Tigers Academy and is already being talked of as one of the most exciting players of his age at fly-half, while 19-year-old Joe is one of Leeds Carnegie’s up-and-coming stars.

Both have already caught the eye of the national selectors, representing England at youth-team level. George is in the England under-18s and under-19s squads to face Australia next month.

The two went head to head on Sunday in the LV=Cup, which was formerly the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

Debutant Joe put in a man–of–the–match performance at fly–half and upstaged his younger brother George in Leeds’ 28-17 win.

Joe recorded a try, two conversions and three penalties, while George converted two Leicester tries and slotted over a penalty in the game played at Headingley.

Mike said: “It was definitely surreal watching from the stands and I did sort of think ‘oh my God, who do I want to do well’, but they both had good games.

“Joe had an outstanding first half and George did well in the second, so that made it easier, I guess

“England World Cup-winner Ben Kay, who was also in the Leicester side, was complimentary about George’s performance.

“Joe has taken a bit longer to come to the fore, and whereas George played because of Leicester’s injury situation, Joe forced his way into the Leeds team.

“He has got a great attitude and hopefully he can build on this and keep his place next week.”

The brothers also met earlier this season in the Guinness ‘A’ League, a competition which bridges the gap between Academy and first-team matches.

The siblings got on the scoresheet but George, who kicked four conversions, a penalty and a drop goal, was celebrating that time after a 44-25 win.

George, who attends Rishworth School, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of some famous names at Welford Road, such as England World Cup-winning captain and national coach Martin Johnson, Tigers favourite Graham Rowntree and Harry Ellis.

Recalling when they first got the rugby bug, Mike said: “They came with me to training at Castleton Gabriels when I was at the Roughyeds.

“Kevin Mannion, who is the Tigers’ conditioner, was at Oldham then and he remembers George when he was about 4ft tall.

“They have both worked hard, applied themselves and got into some good habits at an early age and it was left to them to show they had the desire.”

Joe plays for the Carnegie Academy team and also attends Leeds Metropolitan University. He also gained valuable experience at Wharfedale in National division two.

After playing a starring role in his side’s latest win Joe, whose contract runs out at the end of the season, will be hoping for a regular spot in the first XV.

The Ford production line of talent doesn’t end there, as Mike’s youngest son, Jacob, is proving a hit at scrum-half for Saddleworth Rangers under-12s.