Ford focusing firmly on Ireland role

When Mike Ford took on the role of defence guru with the Irish rugby union squad he freely admits it was with the intention of furthering his chances of getting a Super League coaching role. Now he is not sure if he would accept one even if it was offered.

Ford was the man whose name was at the top of the list when the IRFU asked England’s Phil Larder if he could recommend anyone to do the same job for them as he had done with England.