Biography
George Ford isn’t just a fly-half — he’s one of English rugby’s defining playmakers of his generation. Born on 16 March 1993 in Oldham, he grew up in a rugby-loving family led by his father, coach and ex-league player Mike Ford, and alongside his brother Joe, also a pro. Ford’s rise was meteoric: debuting professionally at just 16 years and 237 days, he became the youngest professional player in English rugby history.
A gifted tactician with ice-cold game management, Ford has starred for Leicester Tigers, Bath, and now Sale Sharks, while carving out a massive international career with England, passing the 100-cap mark in 2025. He’s featured in three Rugby World Cups, won multiple Premiership titles, and even bagged the World Rugby Junior Player of the Year award in 2011 — the first Englishman and youngest ever to do so.
List of Teams Played For
- Leicester Tigers – 2009–2013
- Bath – 2013–2017
- Leicester Tigers (return) – 2017–2022
- Sale Sharks – 2022–present
Rugby World Cups Played
Ford played in three Rugby World Cup campaigns:
- 2015 Rugby World Cup
- 2019 Rugby World Cup – Silver medal (runner-up)
- 2023 Rugby World Cup – Bronze medal (third place)
Key Career Moments
Ford’s story reads like a highlight reel. At 16, he makes history by debuting for Leicester Tigers. By 2011, he’s already the World Rugby Junior Player of the Year. He guides England U18 and U20 sides with maturity far beyond his years, collecting Grand Slams, finals appearances, and Man-of-the-Match performances along the way.
With Leicester Tigers’ senior side, he wins the Anglo-Welsh Cup (2011–12) and the Premiership title in 2013, scoring 12 points in that final. A move to Bath brings more finals rugby, including the 2014 Challenge Cup final and the 2015 Premiership final.
Returning to Leicester in 2017, Ford becomes the heartbeat of the side again, steering them to the 2021–22 Premiership title, despite being injured early in the final. His individual brilliance shines in semifinals, including his unforgettable full house performance in the 2022 semi-final.
Joining Sale Sharks in 2022 after an Achilles injury, Ford helps power the club to their first Premiership Final since 2006, delivering clutch point-scoring and leadership.
For England, he makes his debut in 2014 and quickly becomes a mainstay: Grand Slams, big-match heroics, and unforgettable nights like 26 points vs France in 2015 or his legendary three drop goals vs Argentina in their 2023 World Cup opener. In 2025, he earns his 100th cap and captains his country.
Personal Life
George Ford is the son of celebrated coach Mike Ford and brother to fellow fly-half Joe Ford. He married Atdhetare Hoxha on 15 August 2022.