Ford omission alerts French

FRENCH clubs are circling around George Ford after the No 10 was left out of Eddie Jones’s England squad.

Ford is contracted with Leicester until the World Cup but he could activate a clause to leave early for an overseas club. The fly-half could command a huge contract outside the Premiership, with Montpellier among the clubs interested, but it would mean sacrificing his ambitions of playing for his country.

Jones has selected Marcus Smith for the autumn campaign, leaving Ford with some interesting options for the future, although he should still fancy his chances of a Test recall.

Montpellier director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre said: ‘Handre Pollard’s contract finishes at the end of the season and we have not made any decisions yet, so we are looking at the market for fly-halves. We know George Ford could be available contractually. He is a good footballer and a good game manager with a lot of experience.

‘However, he could return for England and Leicester are top of the table, so we will see.

There are also some French fly-halves in the market and we will look at all options.’