English Rugby
Fearless Ford relishes competition
Scrum.com
July 29, 2010
Leeds fly-half Joe Ford clears his lines, Ospreys v Leeds Carnegie, Anglo-Welsh Cup, Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales, February 4, 2010
Joe Ford impressed for Leeds last season © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Joe Ford | Shane Geraghty | Stephen Myler
Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Rising star Joe Ford insists he is relishing the challenge of tussling with two of England's top play-makers for the Northampton fly-half shirt this season.

Ford, who turns 20 in a couple of weeks, caught the eye last season with a series of strong performances for his former club Leeds Carnegie, and was subsequently lured to Franklin's Gardens. But this year he faces stiff competition for a starting berth from Shane Geraghty and Stephen Myler, both of whom spent the early part of their summers on the England tour to Australia and New Zealand and the Saxons' successful Churchill Cup campaign respectively.

However, Ford is happy to be in such company and confident the competition will only raise his own standards. "My goal is to keep working hard and to get in the best shape I can, and then obviously to get myself into the team," he said. It's not going to be easy. The two tens in front of me are really good and are internationals. That's the challenge but it's something I'm looking forward to."

The opportunity to work with former England fly-half, and now Saints assistant coach, Paul Grayson is another major plus for the youngster, who is known for his place-kicking prowess. "We sat down for a chat about what we want and then we've had a few skills and kicking sessions as well," Ford added. "He's been great with me and I'm looking forward to learning more from him."

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