Joe Ford signing sparks backlash from ex player

Adam Kyriacou

Yorkshire Carnegie have announced the signing of fly-half Joe Ford ahead of this season, but it has caused a backlash from a former player.

Ford was on Friday confirmed to be returning to the club for a fourth time from Premiership outfit Leicester Tigers, where he played 23 times.

He originally came through the academy ranks at Emerald Headingley, making his senior bow in 2009 opposite his younger brother George.

In total, Ford has made 85 appearances for Yorkshire Carnegie so far, scoring 674 points, and was thrilled to return to the Yorkshire outfit.

“It is great to be back,” he said after joining the Championship side. “I know we’re in a tough position at the minute but having spoken with managing director Chris Gibson and director of rugby Martyn Wood, I was impressed with their plans for the club for this season and beyond.

“Importantly for me, the move gives me the chance to begin my coaching career, which I am excited about.

“The chance to play part time whilst still at a high level of rugby is very attractive and I am sure there will be other players, either who want the opportunity to test themselves at a higher level or those who are looking at life after rugby from the Premiership, who will relish the opportunity we are able to offer at Yorkshire Carnegie.”

However, the move sparked a response from former player Dan Temm as he took to Twitter over the signing and posted pictures of medical bills that appear to show companies requesting payment from players.

Auckland-born Temm, who was the supporters’ player of the season at Yorkshire Carnegie in 2018/19, was one of several players released ahead of the upcoming campaign and was clearly unhappy with the deal.

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