England reach George Ford agreement with Sale ahead of Japan and New Zealand tour

George Ford, the England fly-half, has been ruled out of the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand due to an Achilles injury.

Ford, who was a key player in this year's Six Nations, completed the club season with Sale but it has been agreed between the Premiership club and England that he needs time to recover from his pre-existing condition.

"Naturally we're disappointed that George won't be with us in Japan and New Zealand," said head coach Steve Borthwick.

"Following specialist medical advice, and in consultation with George himself, we have decided this is the best course of action."

"George is a big part of the England team and is an excellent professional who I know will rehab diligently to ensure he gets himself right as soon as he can."

Ford, who missed seven months of the 2022-23 season with an Achilles injury, was part of England's training camp last week but Borthwick must now plan to take on the Brave Blossoms and All Blacks without two of his World Cup fly-halves following Owen Farrell's decision to join Racing 92.

This leaves Northampton's Premiership-winning ringmaster Fin Smith and Marcus Smith of Harlequins in a contest for the number 10 jersey, with rookie Charlie Atkinson most likely to tour as the third playmaker.

Fin Smith started the Six Nations on the bench in support of Ford before losing his place to his namesake once the British and Irish Lion had recovered from injury.

However, the 22-year-old Saint has had an impressive season at club level, as demonstrated by his winning of the Rugby Players Association's player of the year award and a Premiership winners medal. He sees this as an opportunity to challenge the existing hierarchy.