Speaking to England’s Jonathan Joseph and George Ford before the London 7s last weekend, there was one recurring theme; focus on the task at hand. Whilst they have differing summers lined up, the drive and determination in the voices was consistent.
When asked about goals outside of rugby, the response from both was a somewhat stumbling “Errrrrr” before launching into “A series win for the Lions. I’m so focused on that at the moment” (Joseph) and “Rugby’s the sole focus. Trying to get back in that (Leicester) team and make sure we hit the ground running next season” (Ford).
Neither are, strictly speaking, goals outside of rugby, but when Eddie Jones and their other coaches have instilled such self-improvement values, it is hardly surprising that desire to achieve comes above all else.
Lions
Achievement is something that both players are becoming accustomed to, with JJ having a Lions call-up bestowed upon him, albeit with rumour circulating that he was very much borderline. “I am absolutely delighted,” he beamed, “It’s the highest honour for any player from Britain or Ireland. It was such a proud moment for myself and my family.”
And how’s he going to respond to that rumour? “I’ve just got to prove my worth. Training hard to be the best player I can be.” Which, having watched him develop into a bonafide star of the game, we know is some player. It will be vital he is on song, being a real game-breaker for the “huge challenge” that awaits.
He also spoke, with genuine feeling, about the players that missed out. “I was absolutely gutted for the players that missed out, like Fordy,” which was just another factor making him even more driven to topple the All Blacks.
English Youngsters
As for Ford, he was understandably reluctant to field any questions regarding the Lions, but more than keen to praise the atmosphere in the England camp. “I’m massively excited for the England tour; that’s my sole focus,” he said, “We’ve been in camp a couple of times already and had a good week’s preparation to get ourselves ready for the Argentina tour.”
He also spoke about the importance of the BaaBaas game in getting their game in place. And which of the young players are going to be influential in that game? “Everyone who’s come in has done really well. The Curry twins from Sale have done really well, as you’d expect.”
One gets the impression that the squad selection was to keep things challenging and fresh, after the loss to Ireland, meaning that styles could be experimented with. Ford went on, “I think we’re in a really good place. One thing we want to do is keep on improving and develop the way we play. The coaches have challenged us to take our attack to the next level and adding more variety to what we do.”
Both players spoke of the potential for England to get much better. Joseph, when it was put to him about what Lions success, or failure, could mean for England, insisted that, “They are two different teams, with two different styles, and you can’t draw up similarities, but we would take huge confidence back to camp if we won. And if we lost, we’d just look at areas that didn’t work and put it right.” Ford, meanwhile, looked at the progress already made, “From where we were 18 months ago, we’ve come a good way, but I still think this team will become even better.”
Tigers return
Leicester Tigers fans will be awaiting Ford’s imminent return, hoping that a world-class 10 can turn them back into a team with genuine hope of trophies. Joseph, whilst claiming that Bath would be fine without his England team-mate, seemed a little disappointed to be losing his general, “He’s one of the best 10s in the world. I say that with complete sincerity. But I’ll be looking forward to meeting up with him for England.”
The reasons for Ford’s return to the club that broke his name to rugby fans across England seemed full of nostalgia. “I spent four years there before going to Bath and had a really good time there,” the fly-half reminisced, “I had some great memories there and was actually part of a few successful thighs in that period. Hopefully I’ll be part of another successful team, because that’s what the club want; they want to be challenging for trophies in England and Europe again. As a player, that’s what you want to do in your career, you want to win trophies.”
7s, flair and glimpses into England’s future?
As they were at they were at the 7s, it felt right to ask if it is something they may consider trying their hands at in the future as the shorter format grows in popularity, and they both have styles which could be translated. Silly question. Laughing, JJ was adamant it wasn’t for him, “No! God it’s hard. A lot of graft!” Ford spoke of respect for the players that do it, but thought it best to stick to the fifteen man game.
They both admire the fast side to the game though, and when asked about players they’d like to play with (past or present), Ford said, “Possibly Israel Folau. If I got the ball to him in space, he’d be able to exploit it.” Outside-centre, Joseph, was searching for similar, “I’m trying to think of someone with a lot of flair….. Jason Robinson, definitely. Maybe Wesley Fofana.” An insight into the way we will see England playing in the coming months and years? Or just the pipe-dreams of two players who love playing the beautiful game?
By Joe Large
Jonathan Joseph/George Ford was speaking from the Samsung Slider, an innovative sports viewing experience bringing fans closer to the action. Get closer to the action from home too with Samsung’s new QLED TV range. For more information, visit Samsung.com.
I think the most interesting thing here is highlighted at the start. Neither player seems to have any interests outside of Rugby. I appreciate that it requires a lot of professionalism and commitment to reach the top level like Ford and Joseph have, but where have the characters in Rubgy gone, and is this taking some imagination and inventiveness out of the game?
Pete, I thought the same. This seems to be the (certainly outwardly) way of professionalism. Those that don’t adhere to such strict focus are often seen as outsiders not to be trusted. I think of the way Haskell was treated by Lancaster. There’d be an argument that he was only selected by EJ originally because George Smith was brought in as a breakdown coach briefly. Of course his performances dictated that he kept the shirt. One thinks of those players in France who are playing so brilliantly but won’t get picked. They’ve put themselves and their own (and their families’) interests above England’s cause – how dare they? I do think it’s a shame that two young successful blokes either don’t have or can’t talk about their interests away from the pitch.
Don’t fully agree with this. Lancaster went about this way because he was brought in following the RWC2011 media mess where by players were viewed as putting their social lives ahead of rugby. But as was shown he perhaps went too far in this respect.
EJ has stated he likes players with something about them, I remember directly mentioning Genge as having some personality to him.
The overseas players rule isn’t about them being viewed as outsiders, it’s the contract the RFU has with the premiership clubs to stop a player drain from the the Premiership. If players knew they could have their cake and eat it (go for bigger pay packets abroad and play for England) there would be a loss in quality of the premiership. Nothing to do with the England set up thinking they’re to individualistic.
‘.. there would be a loss in quality of the premiership’. Well, this is the gr8 fear of course, but what of the reality? How many would actually go, or be good enough to go, esp with so much comp from the SH? Whatever. How do you account for NZ not (as yet @ least) not succumbing to yr theory with a stack of players here & in France. There will have to be a tipping point of course, as perhaps currently in SA’s case with 300 playing abroad, but then, they have a ‘positive discriminatory’ policy to contend with as well don’t they? Didn’t seem to affect them discernibly up until the last WC @ though. The clubs in England hold the real power, not the Union. And they’re driven by largely by self interest. Could give the ‘Frenchmen’ a try & see what happens?
You come across like the rigid Teresa May. Players in France are an hr away by plane. Similar to being in, say Newcastle, unless you would bar them if they resided there too? Need to change yr attitude, like TM needs to (she still thinks she’s the dog, not the tail in respect of Brexit). And don’t tell me NZ has the same policy. It’s only in theory. In reality they gave DC 6mths off (funnily enough to play in France!) & Ritchie a 6 mth sabbatical. Get yr best on to the pitch. Then play a more expansive game.
Its not a question of distance but a question of control
The EPL has a good relationship with the RFU and agreements around player release and player welfare which don’t exist between RFU and FFR. Also if Eddie decides that he wants the next big thing to start getting club game time or for a player to make a positional switch he can have a chat with the club and make the request and they will try to accommodate it the French clubs would just say piss off its none of your business.
Well an answer to the ‘control issue’ would be to neg appropriate contracts with relevant release clauses.The RFU/EPL could also neg same with the FFR offering reciprocal arrangements for their players in England.. & or lobby WR/other Unions to intervene with WR. Might get SH support. Plenty of their players ply their trade in the NH which only weakens their own respective comps.
As we have seen time and time again contracts don’t mean shit.
George North had it in his contract that he would be released for training whenever he was selected for Wales and Saints got a big fine from the EPL, as a consequence that is no longer the case. Picamoles had a 3 yr contract with Saints and is now off to Montpellier next season. Goosen was contracted to Racing but “retired” in order to move clubs. Solomona was contracted to a league club but quit league to take up union
As for WR they wash their hands of it, players must be released for games in international windows but not for training
I take yr points. However, surely the clubs, countries must present a united front on this matter & confront WR with this issue or take them to court to enforce contracts. After all, WR are the governing body & it must be in their remit to uphold the credibility, virtue of the game. Esp so @ present as Billy Beaumont is a WR hd honcho & Pichot is an innovative, all round gd egg according to various sources! Surely contracts must be enforceable, otherwise the game risks to sinking into corruption like soccer has.
‘.. same policy’ – as England i.e., not TM!
In respect of Ford, if he were really WC, he’s be in NZ by now wouldn’t he? He caves under pressure & makes wrong decisions. Guess Eddie thinks the same. JJ will need to shape up too. He was subbed in Dublin when it really mattered; @ the death in the 6N’s. Is it going to be easier in NZ than in Dublin? Who knows, but prob unlikely.
If he wants personality then are you able to explain the repeated and continuing omission of Christian Wade?
The France issue is different to the personality question. Is there room in a team sport for individuality/personality? How about is there room in an international team for individuals? They have such a limited time together I comparison to a club side, does this come into the thinking of a coach? ‘Who’ll do what I tell them to the quickest regardless of what else they bring to the pitch?’
Still think it’s a shame that two young men are solely focused on work and nothing else. Can’t be healthy. What would they do if they got crocked next week?
Personality? I’d have Christian Wade in for his unique ability, agility & speed as well. Better side stepper, either way, than/since Jason Robinson? But then I’d have Danny Ciprianai, @ least in the squad, too.
That also links into wider issues when people leave sport, there are not that many that seem to go on to have successful lives after retirement. Although views are obviously skewed by media coverage, it seems many struggle to find something to match the highs they get in sport and turn to drink or gambling or drugs. If you think about football, it seems there is always a story about ex pros selling off their memorabilia as they’ve gone bankrupt. If your sole focus is sport for 20-30 years, it must be hard to move on to something else if you have no other interests.
I think the better clubs in the premiership are aware of this issue and do something about it.
I know that Saracens take a keen interest in what their players will do afterwards and have many links with businesses that are used to give the players options and experience.
Such an environment is I think, one of the reasons why Saracens are a such a successful club. Other clubs would do well to take note.
Agreed. It is so important that they are given opportunities outside of rugby. Saracens lead the field in this. They give everything to the players and the players give them everything. It is no coincidence that they have achieved what they have. Other clubs ought to take note.