George Ford activates release clause for potential Bath departure

England international George Ford’s future at Aviva Premiership club Bath is under a great deal of speculation amid reports the fly half has triggered release clause in his contract.

The 23-year-old might opt out of the final year of his contract.

Ford, who joined Bath back in 2013 along with his father Mike as head coach, was left 'upset and disappointed' by his father’s abrupt departure from the West Country club.

Ford’s contract with Bath ends on June 2018, but the 'Times' claims that he has triggered the release clause, which makes him a free agent at the end of this season.

Clubs such as the Sale Sharks and the Leicester Tigers have been tipped to go after Ford along with the big spender French club - Toulon, however, after England head coach Eddie Jones issued a warning that such a move abroad would put his international career with England into jeopardy, Ford clarified his intention to stay in Premiership rugby at least for the near future.

As per Sportsmail, the Leicester Tigers have reportedly made enquiries about taking him back to the East Midlands, while Worcester Warriors were too appear to be interested in having the playmaker’s services.