Ford loses England position

Mike Ford: lost rugby role

RUGBY: 
 
FORMER Oldham boss Mike Ford has left his England RU post.

Defence coach for the national side, he departs along with forwardssupremo John Wells. Martin Johnson, under whom Ford served, resigned following England’s poor showing in the World Cup and it was always expected that his staff would lose their jobs.

Ford and Wells have reached an agreement with the RFU and go with immediate effect. Earlier this month, Stuart Lancaster was selected to head a new–look interim England coaching team for the Six Nations campaign which also includes Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell.

Ford said: "To be England's defence coach over the last five and a half years has been an absolute honour and I have worked with some great players and management. The World Cup was a watershed and it is time for a new environment. I wish Stuart and everyone the very best.

"Now is the right time to move on to look for a new challenge within the game. I am proud to be leaving at the end of a year in which England has introduced a wealth of young talent, won 10 out of 13 games, and are the current Six Nations champions."

Ford and Wells had been members of the backroom staff since 2006, coaching the team in two World Cup campaigns. Acting RFU chief executive Stephen Brown said: "John and Mike have given great service to England and rugby in this country over many years and their contribution is appreciated.

"In his five–and–a–half years with the senior team Mike created one of the best defences in world rugby, and while the World Cup was obviously disappointing overall, it should be noted that England conceded just three tries in their five matches – the joint lowest in the tournament.”