England star George Ford set for code switch despite playing against All Blacks this weekend

The Sale Sharks playmaker, who welcomed his first child earlier this year, has made quite the career in rugby union, tallying up an impressive 414 points in 96 caps for England.

But Ford has a surprising plan for his final years – one rooted in the rugby league tradition he grew up with.

The 31-year-old has made a name in union, playing for Leeds Carnegie, Bath, and Leicester Tigers before joining Sale Sharks three seasons ago.

But his roots are firmly in league: he played for Saddleworth Rangers and Waterhead before training with the Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls academies as a teen.

Mike Ford, an Oldham RLFC co-owner and league icon, shared on the League Express podcast that he and his son have mapped out a return to league.

Appearing on the League Express podcast, he explained: “I’m not telling lies. We have sat down and worked out his career. 

"He has just turned 31, so we have gone, ‘This is what you are doing at 32, 33, 34 and 35’ and when he is 35, he will play for Oldham rugby.”

From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.

Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as .

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson's net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby's wealthiest figures.

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple's net worth is reported to be around £20 million.