Aviva Premiership
Ford joins Leeds on loan
ESPNscrum Staff
December 29, 2011
England's George ford celebrates his side's victory, England v France, IRB Junior World Championship, Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso, Itsly, June 22, 2011
George Ford is one of the biggest young talents in the English game © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: George Ford | Joe Ford
Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Leicester Tigers rising star George Ford has joined Leeds Carnegie on loan.

The England under-20 international will join the Championship club with immediate effect and will be eligable for Leeds' New Year's Day game against London Scottish, alongside his brother Joe. He featured regularly for Leicester in the early stages of this season but has since dropped down the pecking order with the return from international duty of Toby Flood.

The 18-year-old, who is the current IRB Young Player of the Year, will be available for Leeds until England under-20 begin their Six Nations campaign in February. The loan agreement will be reviewed following the tournament with the intention for Ford to return to Headingley for the remainder of the season.

Leeds Carnegie head coach Diccon Edwards said: "I worked with George in the England U20s and he is a player with great leadership skills as well as exceptional tactical and technical abilities. At only 18 years old he has shown all the qualities which I am confident will make him an excellent addition to our squad.

"He fully deserved to be named the IRB Junior Player of the Year after his dominant performances for England in the Junior World Championships in Italy. He will be one of our pivots and will play at 10 or 12 and will add direction and influence in the backs. He has a good work ethic and is a great trainer and I believe he will continue to set high standards and inspire our squad as we head into the play offs."

Ford started every game, and contributed 76 points, as England won the 2011 under-20 Six Nations before helping England to the final of the World Junior Championships in Italy this summer.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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