England fly-half George Ford is poised to turn down a lucrative offer from France’s Top 14, opting instead to remain with Sale Sharks by signing a new contract.
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Linked with Toulon
The 96-cap England playmaker had been strongly linked with a potential move to Toulon next summer. The French side was eyeing Ford as a replacement for Wales international Dan Biggar, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season. However, recent reports in France indicate Ford has made a decision about his future.
Commitment to Sale Sharks
According to reports from France, Ford is expected to extend his contract with Sale Sharks in the coming days. French media have claimed that Ford “would like to continue his career in Sale” despite the enticing prospect of a move to Toulon. This is the second time he has turned down the French giants after rejecting an initially approach way back in 2026.
Family Ties and Personal Reasons
One of the key reasons behind Ford’s decision appears to be his desire to remain in the North West, where he is settled with his young family. Earlier this year, the fly-half, who has been married to his wife Atdhetare for a year, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Alarnia. He shared the joyful news on the Oldham RUFC website.
International Assurances
Another critical factor is believed to be Ford’s standing within the England setup. The player has reportedly received assurances from England head coach Steve Borthwick that he remains a crucial part of the national team’s plans. Ford is expected to play a prominent role in the upcoming 2024 Autumn Internationals, the 2025 Six Nations, and future campaigns.
With both family and professional factors weighing in, Ford’s decision to stay at Sale Sharks marks a significant commitment to both his club and country.
“Back with a bang” – Five England hopefuls who impressed in the Premiership this weekend
England boss Steve Borthwick will have been keeping a close eye on potential stars, and these five players surely caught his attention in the opening round, showcasing the form and physicality needed on the international stage.
#1. George Ford (Sale Sharks)
George Ford’s assured kicking from the tee proved pivotal as Sale Sharks edged a scrappy encounter to kick off their Premiership campaign. The England fly-half landed four penalties to steer his side to victory in wet conditions in the North West, following a downpour earlier in the day.
Harlequins took the game’s only try in the first half, with hooker Jack Walker powering over from a line-out drive. But Ford, absent from England’s summer tour, made a strong case for a swift return under Steve Borthwick, showcasing his trademark composure and game management in tough conditions. No other fly-half in the league can match his experience in pressure situations.
The other good news is coming out of France that Ford has rejected big money offers to re-sign with Sale, where his contract was due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season.