England reached the semi-final of the World Cup and defeated champions Ireland in the Six Nations, Northampton and Harlequins reached the last four of the Champions Cup and the Premiership campaign has been painted in vibrant colours.
“There is plenty to be positive about,” said Ford, the Sale and England outside-half. “The two semi-finalists performed creditably, staying in the games, firing shots and believing in themselves. They fought to the end but did not quite get the result.
“The Premiership has gone up another level, which is great for all involved, and England’s last two performances in the Six Nations showed we are heading in the right direction. It is natural to go through ebbs and flows – if anyone had the potion to sustain success, they would do very well.”
Ford won the first of his 96 England caps 10 years ago, but this year’s Six Nations was different for him because his friend from schooldays, Owen Farrell, was not involved having taken a sabbatical from Test rugby which will be extended after his decision to move to Paris next season.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
