Sale Sharks boss makes George Ford British and Irish Lions admission after Premiership win
George Ford has never toured with the British and Irish Lions
Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson feels fly-half George Ford is a genuine contender to go on the British and Irish Lions tour this summer, following a masterclass in his side’s 39-15 win over Newcastle Falcons.
The number 10 was at his spellbinding best in the win at Kingston Park last night, nabbing two assists and scoring 14 points off the tee, and follows a fantastic cameo off the bench in England’s 68-14 win over Wales in the Six Nations.
“It would be very hard not to pick him” – Sanderson backs Ford for Lions
His two assists were also box-office too. The first came via a bullet pass out to Tom O’Flaherty – similar to the one that sent Henry Pollock over against Wales last weekend.
After two sumptuous assists for England last week, George Ford is at it again with the quick hands to help extend Sale’s lead to 17 points before half-time 👏 pic.twitter.com/XfPGmDljRP
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 21, 2025
His second was arguably the pick of the bunch though, as he sent up a pinpoint cross-field kick to allow Joe Carpenter to dot down.
A stunner for @SaleSharksRugby!
George Ford has been at his mercurial best tonight, with a magical assist for Joe Carpenter, who applies the brilliant catch and finish 🙌 pic.twitter.com/wSfOy2Hp3P
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 21, 2025
Following these highlight-reel moments, plus his usual brilliance, Sanderson feels it could be ‘very hard’ to overlook Ford this summer.
“It would be very hard not to pick him if he plays like that for the next seven games,” Sanderson told the media after the match.
“Plus, the experience he’s got and what he brings you in the week, he’s like a coach on the field.”
“In a Lions squad where you’ve got to bring people together, George is a brilliant character at doing that and he helps me out all the time with that.”
“There are loads of factors that lead to him being a good option for the Lions.”
Ford faces some very strong competition if he wants to go on his maiden Lions tour this summer, with fly-half one of the more hotly contested positions. Finn Russell has been seen as the fly-half-elect for some time now, but around that the likes of Marcus and Fin Smith, Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley are all leading contenders to be included in Farrell’s squad.
Elsewhere, Ford’s long-time friend Owen Farrell could also be an option this summer, despite now plying his trade for Racing 92 and not having played Test rugby since the 2023 World Cup.
The Oldham-native is one of the more experienced options at fly-half though, with 99 England caps to his name at the time of writing.
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