Ford set to switch his positions

BOND University will unleash key forward Tai Ford in a new role as the late bloomer pushes for a full-time professional rugby contract.

Ford, 27, has been a revelation for Bond in recent seasons and has been rewarded with higher honours in the form of National Rugby Championship call-ups for Queensland Country and a Super Rugby pre-season training opportunity with the Reds.

Much of his time has been spent in the No.6 or No.8 jerseys but this year a switch to openside flanker – No.7 – is on the cards, Bond coach Grant Anderson confirmed.

“Seven is a new position for him,” Anderson said of Ford.

“It’s somewhere he played in the NRC and speaking to (Reds coach) Brad Thorn, he really thinks Tai could push for a spot at seven in NRC this year and hopefully that would lead to a full-time Reds contract in the future.

“So Brad is really keen for him to play seven and to be honest it has really rejuvenated Tai’s interest in rugby.

“He’s really looking forward to playing seven and pushing his claim for Reds selection next year and NRC this year.”

Bond suffered a 42-15 trial loss to GPS on Saturday at St Lucia but should be boosted by the return of players including Angus Blyth and Hayden Sargeant for their Round 1 clash with Wests this Saturday.