Game in England is good, says Ford

GEORGE Ford feels English rugby is on the up after a testing couple of years on and off the field and has to use this season a springboard.

- PAUL REES

England reached the semi-final of the World Cup and defeated champions Ireland in the Six Nations, Northampton and Harlequins reached the last four of the Champions Cup and the Premiership campaign has been painted in vibrant colours.

“There is plenty to be positive about,” said Ford, the Sale and England outside-half. “The two semi-finalists performed creditably, staying in the games, firing shots and believing in themselves. They fought to the end but did not quite get the result.

“The Premiership has gone up another level, which is great for all involved, and England’s last two performances in the Six Nations showed we are heading in the right direction. It is natural to go through ebbs and flows – if anyone had the potion to sustain success, they would do very well.”

Ford won the first of his 96 England caps 10 years ago, but this year’s Six Nations was different for him because his friend from schooldays, Owen Farrell, was not involved having taken a sabbatical from Test rugby which will be extended after his decision to move to Paris next season.