Sale Sharks head coach Alex Sanderson has confirmed that George Ford will not return this weekend, despite being close to full fitness.
The England fly-half has been sidelined since suffering an abductor strain in Sale’s defeat to Exeter Chiefs three weeks ago, and although progress has been encouraging, the upcoming Premiership clash has come too soon.
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Ford was back running earlier this week and is edging closer to selection, but Sanderson admits the club are taking a cautious approach.
“He is really close. He was running today (Wednesday) and running well again. I said it would be a week or two, but I don’t think it’s going to be a George Ford – Fin Smith showdown this weekend, unfortunately.”
Instead, Sale are expected to continue with Rob du Preez in the playmaking role, with Ford now targeting a return against Harlequins on Boxing Day.
Sanderson revealed that the decision was finely balanced, but insisted it was taken out of the player’s hands.
“It was on the wire whether we could select him or not. But I don’t see that happening at this point. If we asked him, he would say he is good to go and is playing, and we have got to take that decision out of the players’ hands.”
The Sale boss stressed that long-term goals were central to the call, including Ford’s ambitions on the international stage.
“There is a bigger picture, and for his long-term fitness. We discussed his dream to lead a side into a World Cup Final and win a World Cup, so I’m bearing that in mind when he is in the thick of it, saying he is good to go.”
Ford’s situation is also influenced by his £150k EPS enhanced contract, which gives the RFU a say in his workload and availability.
“He is also an enhanced EPS, so England have their say in this as well, and they want to make sure he is in the right spot. It works well, and we signed up for that. So I’m good with it,” said Sanderson.
EDITORS PICKS:
2025 Rugby World Cup draw:
As hosts, Australia takes its spot in Pool A, while the rest of the line-up was revealed live as teams were drawn.
The men’s Rugby World Cup is set to be bigger than ever: 24 nations, seven cities, six weeks, one trophy. Fans have already been invited to register for pre-sale access and get ready to experience the action firsthand.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson was joined on stage by legends: former Rugby World Cup winner Dan Carter, Australia’s most-capped male player James Slipper, and Olympic gold medallist Alicia Lucas, to conduct the official draw.
Each of the six pools featured a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The confirmed Bands based on rankings were:
Band 1: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3: Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4: Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada
2027 Rugby World Cup draw:
Pool A
New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.
Pool B
South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.
Pool C
Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.
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