BBC Rugby Union: England Newcomers Benefit from Veteran Playmaker’s Guidance
Although England’s experienced fly-half George Ford will miss the upcoming summer tour due to an Achilles injury, his influence remains strong on some of the team’s rising talents. Ford’s tutelage at his club side Sale Sharks has been invaluable for young backs Joe Carpenter and Tom Roebuck, who are vying to make their international debuts for England in the coming weeks.
Carpenter and Roebuck, part of Sale’s potent back three last season, were called up by England head coach Steve Borthwick after impressing with their aerial dominance and counter-attacking ability. The duo, who are close friends despite previously being rivals, have greatly benefited from 31-year-old Ford’s expertise and high standards.
“George is the ultimate professional. He drives standards and he drives execution,” said Carpenter. “Him coming to Sale has been huge for a lot of us, helping us understand what level we need to be at to bridge that gap between Sale and England.”
Roebuck echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that their former animosity as academy players has evolved into a strong camaraderie. “Tom is one of my best friends and has been for the last five years since I joined Sale,” Carpenter added. “There is a bit of in-house competition for us, but we’re both really excited for this tour opportunity.”
With the first Test against Japan on the horizon, the young Sale duo are eager to make their England debuts and continue their development under Ford’s guidance, while also pushing each other to new heights.
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