Teenage kicks!

RUGBY: FLY-HALF George Ford has long been tipped as a future playmaker at No.10 in the national set-up and, given his current rate of progress, it might not be too long before the starlet is a Twickenham regular.

Ford (17), son of former Oldham RL player-coach Mike, is already playing at an age grade beyond his years with Rob Hunter’s England under-20s side.

The ex-Oldham St Anne’s, Saddleworth Rangers and Waterhead star became the youngest ever player to appear in Leicester Tigers’ senior side, at 16 years and 237 days, following his switch to union.

scrapbook
And there was another one for the scrapbook at the weekend when he kicked three conversions for Hunter’s team in the 26-20 victory over Wales in the RBS 6 Nations opener.

Ford, who has already been told he will start the second game against Italy at Bath tomorrow (7.30pm kick-off), said: “It was great to be out there and in the thick of it for England.

“There is a rivalry with Wales so it was important to get the result. Obviously I was pleased to be involved but the team is more important.

“I am delighted to have been chosen for the Italy game. Finding out a few days in advance gives me a chance to take it all in and prepare properly.”

Despite his success taking him here, there and everywhere with club and country, Ford certainly has not forgotten his roots.

“My parents still live in Saddleworth and I have loads of mates in the Oldham area,” said Ford.

“I go back home as often as I possibly can.

“I still enjoy catching up with some of the lads I played with at Waterhead and Saddleworth.

“Some of them have gone on to achieve big things in the sport too, so it is good to swap stories.

“It is strange looking back at my time in the North-West because everything that has gone on since happened so fast.”

Ford reserved special praise for his dad, who is defence coach for the senior side.

He said: “Dad helps me out in every way he can without being pushy.

“It is important that we have a normal father and son relationship as well as the rugby, but having a dad who is a coach at international level obviously has benefits.

“He has a lot of experience and advice to pass on, and that is important for my development.”