Sharks pursue Ford to replace Bristol-bound AJ
SALE Sharks are chasing Leicester fly-half George Ford following AJ MacGinty’s decision to join Bristol next season.
Ford, right, is the Premiership’s leading scorer this season with 107 points, helping the Tigers win their first eight games.
He is in a second spell with Leicester, following four years at Bath, but was born not far away from Sale, in Oldham.
Sale director of rugby
Alex Sanderson said initial talks “went well”.
He continued: “I have no intention of counting chickens before they’re hatched. I honestly couldn’t tell you what will happen.
“We can only put our best case forward and let the chips fall where they may, but I think we’re a club with aspirations, with investment and with good people involved. I think we’re a strong runner.”
Sale are in the market for a new fly-half following confirmation that AJ MacGinty will be leaving them to reunite with his former Connacht coach Pat Lam at Bristol at the end of the season.
Ford, 28, who has scored more than 300 points in 77 appearances for England, was left out of the
Autumn Internationals squad but Sanderson remains a big fan. “Fly-half is a crucial position where you need someone of international class if you’re ever going to challenge – and George Ford is one,” Sanderson added. “He’s world class and he’s probably playing the best rugby he’s played for a while. So, that’s where we’re at and the rest is speculation.”
US Eagles No.10 MacGinty, meanwhile, says he is excited to team up with Lam again. The 31year-old joined Sale in 2016 and has made 93 appearances, scoring 801 points.
“It was a difficult decision for me to leave Sale but Bristol are a hugely ambitious club and their progression under Pat has been very impressive,” MacGinty said. “He gave me my first opportunity in professional rugby and I am excited to work with him again.”
MacGinty has featured in three Premiership matches this season after a delayed start to the campaign due to a knee injury.
Lam said: “This is a critical position for the team, so we are pleased to bring in somebody of AJ’s experience and calibre.”