Dad Mike kept quiet over George’s call-up

Photo: PICTURE: Ian Johnson/TakingPictures-Sport.co.uk

George Ford says it will be a “massive learning curve” when he joins England.

RUGBY:

ENGLAND rookie George Ford’s dad kept quiet over his son’s recent call-up to the Six Nations squad — even though he knew about it two days earlier.

Former Oldham RL player-coach Mike, now the man in charge at Bath, was visited by England coach Stuart Lancaster and told his son had been selected. But George (20), a one-time prospect at Oldham St Anne’s, Saddleworth Rangers and Waterhead, was left in the dark.

“I found out from Stuart,” said former Rishworth School pupil George. “The first person I rang was my mum, and she was pretty happy. Then I spoke to my dad, who admitted he hadn’t told me because Stuart wanted to.

“I’m massively excited. It’s obviously going to be a new environment and a new situation for me. Going into the unknown is always exciting.

“I’ve not been involved with Test rugby yet and you don’t know what to expect until you’ve experienced it, so it’s going to be a massive learning curve for me but I feel like I’m in a good place.

“I want to get my head down, train as hard as I can and get my hat in the ring for selection. That’s all I can do. I’m not thinking too far ahead of that really. If you do, you’re putting yourself in a dangerous situation.”