Confirmed: Sale Sharks add another Ford to their books

Sale Sharks have confirmed our exclusive from 12 days ago that Jacob Ford, the younger brother of fly-half George and attack coach Joe, has joined his siblings on the club’s payroll.

Ford, who has spent the last six months as an assistant coach at Championship outfit Doncaster Knights, where Joe was head coach before crossing the Pennines, has joined the Sharks as backs transition coach.

His arrival comes as part of an overhaul of their player development coaching team, with Tom Gilchrist appointed as forwards transition coach and Joe Collins named as the new Head of Academy Strength and Conditioning.

While Jacob Ford is one of English rugby’s up-and-coming young coaches, having previously been a head coach in the National Leagues and a short spell in Scotland, his signing will inevitably prompt accusations of nepotism.

However, Sale insist “a thorough, three-month recruitment process” took place in order to improve the pathway between the academy and the first team.

“We are delighted to welcome Tom, Jacob and Joe to Sale Sharks,” said Fergus Mulchrone, the Sharks’ academy manager.

“This has been a thorough, three-month recruitment process and we are confident we have appointed three outstanding individuals, who share our vision for developing the next generation of Sharks talent.

“Having observed Tom over the last four years at Yorkshire’s Academy I’m confident he will bring a level of expertise that will accelerate our group of transition forwards from academy to senior rugby over the next 2-3 years.

“Jacob’s experience across school, the national leagues and Glasgow’s Senior Academy will be invaluable in helping our young players develop the skills and decision-making required at the highest level.

“Joe’s appointment as Head of Academy Strength and Conditioning completes an exciting new-look transition staff. He has a great depth of experience working all over the world and joins us from the strong pedigree of Blackrock College RFC in Dublin.

“His role will be fundamental in ensuring our players are physically prepared for the rigours of the professional game.

“The quality of candidates we attracted throughout this process is a reflection of the ambition and direction of this club, and I have no doubt that Tom, Jacob and Joe will make a significant impact on the development pathway here at Sale Sharks.”