Homework pays off as Ford gets the nod

George Ford (centre) during a training session this week

RUGBY UNION: 

GEORGE Ford has revealed he used to do Owen Farrell’s French homework when the school friends were growing up in Harpenden - so they could spend more time playing rugby.

Ford and Farrell will start an England match together for the first time after being selected at fly–half and inside centre for Saturday’s QBE International against Samoa at Twickenham.

“We went to the same school and lived 10 minutes away from each other. All we wanted to do was go outside and kick a ball around,” said Oldham-born Ford.

England have pinpointed the Samoa showdown as the chance to give Ford, who played junior rugby league for Oldham St Anne’s, Saddleworth Rangers and Waterhead, his first start after four games as a replacement.

It is a key moment for Ford, who has been told to boss his older–team–mate knowing he may be retained at 10 for the climax to the autumn against Australia if he impresses.