George Ford drop-goal: Fly-half reveals 'real' reason for Leicester departure - Ruck

George Ford drop-goal: Fly-half reveals ‘real’ reason for Leicester departure

George Ford put in a man of the match display as Leicester Tigers beat Northampton Saints 27-14 to reach the Gallagher Premiership final.

They’ll now face Saracens at Twickenham next weekend.

George Ford drop-goal:

Ford, who leaves Tigers to join Sale at the end of the season, pays tribute to the Youngs family as he speaks to BT Sport, adding:

“What a place, what a club, what a set of people. I’ve been here eight years in two stints and I’ve loved every second if it, the highs and lows.

“I don’t think you’ll come across a more traditional rugby club. I’m going to miss it.

“We’ve got a job to do next week. We’re going to have to be at our very best. We can’t wait for it.”Article Reactions

Reason for Leicester departure:

Ford revealed he wanted to move back to the North West to be near to his friends and family after leaving home as a teenager.

“I spoke to Steve and told him that I wouldn’t be extending my contract with the club next season,” wrote Ford.

“This has been an incredibly difficult process but I have been given the opportunity to join Sale Sharks in July. To play my rugby in the North West, to be close to my family and to play a part in driving Sale Sharks forward is something I am hugely excited about and can’t turn down.

“I made my debut for Tigers 12 years ago this month and people that know me will understand how tough a decision this has been. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities the club has given me.

“Driven by Steve, the club stands on the verge of a very special period and every day my sole focus continues to be doing everything I can to become a better player and help Leicester Tigers be successful.”

PREMIERSHIP WIVES AND GIRLFRIENDS:

#1. Miné van Niekerk – Faf de Klerk (Sale Sharks)

Faf has a beautiful Dutch pharmacist Fiancee. She recently moved to Manchester to live with the Sale Sharks star. Long-term, he’s said that he hopes to live somewhere in the Netherlands one day.

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