England's fly-half Ford opts to remain with Sale instead of R360 offer
The experienced fly-half has confirmed that he declined an offer from the new rugby venture to extend his England career
The veteran player has signed a new three-year deal with his current club, where he has made 44 appearances and accumulated over 300 points since joining in recent years
International Dedication
The national team had previously confirmed that any athletes who join the new league, similar to other players based overseas, would be ineligible for international duty
"The organization contacted my representative to have discussions, but my decision-making around it was entirely based on the reality that I've got unbelievable ambition to represent my country," said Ford
"I've loved my period at the club as well and it didn't progress any beyond than that in terms of negotiations with the planned competition"
"I'm passionate about and I'm dedicated to representing England. I want to have the chance to represent my country continually. I believe I've continue to have a great deal to give in a white shirt"
Competition Development
R360's aim of establishing multiple all-star men's teams for a series of events in major cities was hit by a unified restriction from major rugby bodies recently
The English union, the All Blacks, Ireland and the French were joined by Scotland, Australia, the Springboks and the Italians in declaring they would not pick any league participants for Test rugby
Monetary Aspects
Sale boss the coach calculated that, for top athletes such as Ford, a move to R360 could earn them a significant increase than staying in the domestic league
He added that moves to the Japanese league could be a chance to double their money, while financial incentives for sportspeople enhance the economic benefit of Top 14 clubs
Team Importance
"It's crucial for this club, essential for the club moving forwards, that we have him at the leadership position," stated Sanderson
"It means more than just how exceptional he is on the pitch"
"It is his background, where he wants to lead the team and how well driven he is"
"He inspires for me as a manager, not just the players that he shares the field with"
"It is a significant, major demonstration of commitment from him for the pathway the club's going"
Competition Landscape
The player admitted the current talent pool of number tens is exceptional during his career with the national team, with former skipper Owen Farrell returned at his club and in consideration for a call-up again
"It's brilliant, right? It's the ideal situation to be really in terms of team selection. I'd think the head coach is quite happy having four options available," said the player
"Selection is so subjective. That's somewhat a little bit beyond my influence currently, because my main focus at the moment is playing as effectively as I can for the club"
"If I worry too much about if I'm going to get picked, I'm unlikely to get selected. It distracts me from my job in the present moment"
Manager's Viewpoint
The director though was emphatic in his support for his man
"There's only one George Ford," he stated
"Perhaps you could secure a game by ten to fifteen additional points with a Marcus Smith. I think you'll definitely lose less games with him because he virtually ensures success with what he achieves with the ball that the outcome is going to go your way"
