George Ford's form finally acknowledged with award

He may not be considered good enough for the British and Irish Lions, but George Ford continues to put his best foot forward for play-off chasing Sale Sharks and that form has resulted in him being named as the Gallagher Premiership’s Player of the Month for April.

The 99-cap England fly-half, who was overlooked by Lions boss Andy Farrell for this summer’s tour to Australia, received 36% of the public poll ahead of Northampton Saints scrum-half Alex Mitchell and Leicester Tigers duo Adam Radwan and Jack van Poortvliet.

After 16 rounds of Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Ford has steered the Sharks into the upper echelons of the league table. The 32-year-old put on a vintage display in a destructive away win over Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop in Round 14, with the playmaker leading his side to a vital win in the hunt for a play-off spot.

The England fly-half then scored 15 points in a dominant home victory over top-four rivals Saracens in Round 15, including finishing off a stunning team try in front of the Sale faithful at the Salford Community Stadium.

The Premiership Player of the Month winners so far this season:

September – Max Malins (Bristol Bears)
October – Gabriel Ibitoye (Bristol Bears)
December – Ben Curry (Sale Sharks)
January – Santi Carreras (Gloucester Rugby)
March – Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby)
April – George Ford (Sale Sharks)