George Ford receives Premiership Player of the Season award

George Ford’s consistent and high-calibre performances for Sale Sharks have finally been acknowledged with the fly-half being named Gallagher Premiership Player of the Month for April.

Despite being overlooked for the British & Irish Lions squad by head coach Andy Farrell, the 99-cap England veteran continues to be a defining presence in domestic rugby.

Ford claimed 36% of the public vote to win the April accolade, finishing ahead of Northampton Saints’ Alex Mitchell and Leicester Tigers’ Adam Radwan and Jack van Poortvliet. His award-winning month came on the back of a run of influential performances that have steered Sale firmly into the Premiership play-off hunt.

In Round 14, Ford delivered a vintage masterclass in Sale’s commanding away victory over Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop. His tactical leadership and game control were crucial as the Sharks dismantled their opposition in a key fixture on the road.

Just a week later, in Round 15, Ford produced yet another standout display, this time against top-four contenders Saracens.

In front of a home crowd at the Salford Community Stadium, he racked up 15 points — including a try — in a comprehensive win that further solidified Sale's position in the table. His try, part of a sweeping team move, underlined his attacking sharpness and ability to finish as well as create.

After 16 rounds of the Gallagher Premiership season, the 32-year-old has been instrumental in keeping Sale Sharks within striking distance of the league’s summit. His experience, precision kicking, and game management have stood out, even amid fierce competition in the fly-half role across the league.

While his Lions omission raised eyebrows, Ford’s current form leaves no doubt about his elite status in club rugby. He joins an impressive list of 2024–25 Premiership Player of the Month winners, which includes Max Malins (September), Gabriel Ibitoye (October), Ben Curry (December), Santi Carreras (January), and Tomos Williams (March).