Ford turns down R360 riches in favour of final shot at England glory

George Ford has turned down the riches on offer from R360 for one last shot at a Rugby World Cup with England.

- Neil Squires

The 32-year-old revealed he was approached by the rebel circuit, fronted by the former England centre Mike Tindall, but rejected a deal believed to be worth £1m a season.

Ford, who reached a century of caps last summer, has signed a three-year contract extension with Sale which will ensure his availability for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

"As players, we understand what's going on with trying to set up this new league and they did contact my agent to have discussions," Ford said.

"My decision-making was purely based on the fact I love playing for England and I've got an unbelievable desire to keep playing for England. It's the same with Sale. I've loved my time here. It never really got any further than that with the conversations with the proposed new league. There were a couple of opportunities overseas but that would then mean calling time on your international career.

"I've had three different experiences in three World Cups. We didn't make it out of the pool in 2015, lost the final in 2019 and lost the semifinal in 2023. They all give valuable lessons but the real reason you do it is trophies. There's no better motivation than winning for England."