Ford takes top Saracens job

FORMER Ireland defensive coach Mike Ford will be named as Saracens head coach when he returns from the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.

Ford announced his decision to quit his post in Eddie O’Sullivan’s coaching set-up in May and it was assumed he was simply turning his role as defensive co-ordinator and skills and back play coach into a permanent one. Instead, Ford yesterday revealed he is widening his coaching remit at the Guinness Premiership club and has already been influential behind the scenes in luring Great Britain rugby league star Andy Farrell to join him there following his high-profile code switch, while going back to one of his former clubs Wigan to recruit Australian strength and conditioning coach Nigel Ashley-Jones.

Ford’s influence almost certainly paved the way for Ireland hooker Shane Byrne to turn down an IRFU contract offer and leave Leinster for the London club on a two-year deal, although the Lions midweek coach declined to confirm that publicly.