England's star George Ford chooses to stay with Sale Sharks instead of R360 opportunity

The experienced fly-half has confirmed that he rejected an approach from the new rugby venture to extend his England career

The 32-year-old player has agreed to a new contract extension with Sale Sharks, where he has played 44 games and scored over 300 points since joining in 2022

National Team Commitment

England had previously stated that any athletes who join the new league, similar to other players playing abroad, would be ineligible for international duty

"They contacted my representative to have talks, but my choice around it was entirely focused on the fact that I've got unbelievable ambition to represent my country," said Ford

"I've loved my time at the club as well and it never really got any beyond than that in terms of discussions with the planned new league"

"I'm passionate about and I'm passionate about playing for England. I desire to have the chance to play for my national team still. I feel I've still got a great deal to give in a England jersey"

Competition Situation

R360's aim of creating multiple elite men's teams for a tournament in prominent locations was hit by a unified restriction from major rugby bodies last week

England, the All Blacks, the Irish and France were joined by the Scots, Australia, the Springboks and Italy in saying they would not pick any league participants for Test rugby

Financial Considerations

Director of rugby Alex Sanderson estimated that, for star players such as Ford, a transfer to the new competition could earn them a significant increase than remaining in England

He noted that moves to Japan could be a chance to double their money, while tax breaks for athletes enhance the economic benefit of Top 14 clubs

Club Importance

"It's crucial for this club, essential for the club moving forwards, that we have him at the leadership position," said the director

"It's bigger than just how exceptional he is on the field"

"This includes where he's from, his desire to lead the team and how well driven he is"

"He inspires for me as a coach, not just the teammates that he plays with"

"This represents a massive, massive show of intent from him for the pathway the club's going"

Selection Landscape

Ford acknowledged the current depth and quality of fly-half options is unprecedented during his time with the national team, with ex-captain the experienced player back at Saracens and in consideration for a selection once more

"It's brilliant, right? It's where you want to be really in terms of squad depth. I'd think the head coach is quite happy having multiple choices like that," said the player

"Selection is so subjective. That's somewhat a little bit beyond my influence right now, because my primary concern at the minute is performing as well as I can for the club"

"Should I concern myself too much about if I'm going to get picked, I'm not going to get selected. It takes me away from my role in the present moment"

Manager's Perspective

The director though was definite in his support for his man

"He is unique the fly-half," he stated

"You might win a match by 10 or 15 additional points with a different fly-half. I believe you'll certainly suffer fewer defeats with him because he virtually ensures success with what he does with the possession that the outcome is going to go your way"