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In a major statement of intent the Dallas Griffins on Thursday evening announced that they have reached a ‘long-term’ agreement with Mike Ford to become the Major League Rugby club’s new Director of Rugby. While momentum has been building for the upstart professional league that will kick off in the Spring of 2018, this is undoubtedly the highest profile addition to the league thus far.
Ford’s resume is extensive. Head Coach at French Top 14 powerhouse Toulon this past season, he was previously the Head Coach at Bath in the Aviva Premiership from 2013 to 2016, during which time he was awarded the Premiership Director of Rugby of the Year in 2015. He first gained notoriety as a rugby union coach in 2002 when he became Defense Coach of Ireland, and after that Saracens which led to him being appointed to the coaching staff on the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. He then spent five seasons with England ending in 2011.
It was in rugby league that Ford found success as a player, enjoying an 18-year career that saw him selected for both England and Great Britain while with Castleford Tigers. Previous to that he had represented Wigan Warriors and his home town of Oldhma. Ford is the father of current England flyhalf George and Leicester Tigers signing Joe.
Griffins CEO Phil Camm said he and co-founder Bill Bingham have their sights set on success.
“Bill and I have been working towards MLR for quite some time and we have a great group of partners who want to set a very high bar for American rugby. Mike is known for his attention to detail and immense work ethic as well as a vision for the game that brings out the best in the people he works with. With Mike’s leadership and great man management skills, we’re looking forward to growing the game throughout Dallas-Ft. Worth, working with the local clubs and their coaches to raise the overall standard in the region.”
MLR Commissioner Dean Howes also spoke highly of the signing.
“We are excited to have Mr. Ford in the MLR network. His experience, achievement, and dedication to the sport will add tremendous value on and off the field. Mr. Ford will join a talented and experienced group of MLR coaches committed to raising the level of the American game. We are looking forward to the launch and many seasons ahead.”
Ford says the opportunity is one he could not turn down.
“I’ve been talking to Phil about this project for well over a year and the challenge really excites me. It’s a chance to take me out of my comfort zone and the experience will be invaluable. The opportunity to work from the beginning with a like-minded, trusted group of people, who all want the same thing and to create an environment and culture that hopefully will have a lasting legacy, is too good to turn down. That work starts now and I can’t wait!”
