England's Ford extends Bath contract

England fly-half George Ford has signed a new four-year contract with Bath, the English Premiership club announced on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old, capped 17 times by England, joined Bath from Leicester in 2013 and has to date scored 637 points for the club in 59 appearances.

"It sounds like a cliche, but it really was an easy decision to stay here at Bath," Ford told the Bath website. "It's a great set-up and the squad are working so hard to achieve our goals.

"There is a real focus on developing each and every player here and that is a hugely inspiring environment to be part of. I am really looking forward to the next two years and playing my part in an exciting time for the club."

News of Ford's new deal comes just three days after he kicked a match-winning conversion from on the touchline to earn his side a 25-23 victory over Wasps in the European Champions Cup.

"Bath's re-emergence as a competitive force coincided with George's arrival at the club," said Bath coach Toby Booth.

"He is the epitome of a true modern-day professional and retaining and recruiting quality players like him is paramount to our further progression.

"George will continue to drive the standards here at Bath, both on and off the pitch."

Ford made his England debut at the 2014 Six Nations and has been tipped to play an integral role in next year's tournament, when Eddie Jones will begin his tenure as head coach.
Source: AFP