... and we have a great group of partners who want to set a very high bar for
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CONTACT: Kyle Palm
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Saturday, June 10th 2017 Dallas, TX
Mike Ford Named as Director of Rugby for Dallas Griffins MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY ATTRACTS MAJOR LEAGUE COACHING In a bold statement of things to come in Major League Rugby, Dallas Griffins have secured the services of one of the world’s most respected rugby coaches. The former Head Coach of Toulon, Bath Rugby and Saracens and a Defensive Coach for England, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions, Mike has worked closely with some of the sport’s most successful players in club and international rugby. The English Premiership Director of Rugby of the Year for 2015, Mike has received wide acclaim for his influence on outstanding domestic and international team performances at the Rugby World Cup, RBS 6 Nations Championship and Aviva Premiership. Before turning to rugby union, Mike had a successful rugby league career spanning 20 seasons, playing for England, Great Britain and the British Lions. Now with 15 years of coaching at the very highest levels of the sport, he brings a level of experience that is certain to have a substantial influence on how the Griffins, and Major League Rugby as whole, develops. “We are excited to have Mr. Ford in the MLR network.” MLR Commissioner, Dean Howes, “His experience, achievement and dedication to the sport will add tremendous value on and off the field. Mr. Ford will join a talented and experienced group or MLR coaches committed to raising the level of the American game. We are looking forward to the launch and many seasons ahead.” “I’ve been talking to Phil (Camm, Griffins CEO) about this project for well over a year and the challenge really excites me.’ adds Ford “It’s a chance to take me out of my comfort zone and the experience will be invaluable.”
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“The opportunity to work from the beginning with a like-minded, trusted group of people, who all want the same thing and to create an environment and culture that hopefully will have a lasting legacy, is too good to turn down. That work starts now and I can’t wait!” Mike is also well known for his three sons who have each been successful in their own right. After spells at Yorkshire, Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks, Joe Ford has moved to Leicester Tigers for 17/18 where he will join his younger brother George who transfers from Bath. George is the current England fly half with 35 caps already and was the youngest ever winner of the World IRB Junior Player of the Year award. Jacob, the youngest, trained and played with both Bath and Wasps Rugby Academy and is one of the youngest to be accepted onto the Level 3 RFU Coaching Award. “Bill (Bingham, co-founder) and I have been working towards MLR for quite some time and we have a great group of partners who want to set a very high bar for American rugby.” Explains Camm, “Mike is known for his attention to detail and immense work ethic as well as a vision for the game that brings out the best in the people he works with. With Mike’s leadership and great man management skills, we’re looking forward to growing the game throughout Dallas-Ft. Worth, working with the local clubs and their coaches to raise the overall standard in the region.” On a long-term contract, Mike will oversee all the rugby development, coaching and player recruitment, building a team of local and internationally experienced staff that can provide a world class experience for players. Along with the announced partnership with the University of North Texas and Professor John Nauright, Dallas Griffins is establishing a formidable team that promises to deliver an exceptional standard of rugby. For more information about the Dallas Griffins, including details of upcoming employment and player recruitment opportunities, go to www.griffinsrugby.com.
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