Ross Ford today committed his long-term future to Edinburgh, signing a new two-year contract and underlining his intention to help the club fulfil its potential.
The 46-cap hooker, whose career in the black and red began in October 2007, says that Edinburgh’s drive to progress both on and off the field convinced him to dedicate the prime years of his career to the side from the Scottish capital.
Ford’s form with both the Murrayfield outfit and Scotland saw him called up to the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2009, where he appeared as a replacement in the third test win in Johannesburg.
He has since established himself as a mainstay of the national team, being lauded for his displays in the historic wins over Australia, Ireland, Argentina and South Africa, and has continued to impress for Edinburgh.
Ford, 26, is the second high-profile talent to pledge his future to the club in recent weeks, Tim Visser, the reigning Magners League Young Player of the Season and the current top tournament try scorer, having also agreed an extension.
Ford today expressed his delight at signing up for at least another two campaigns, saying: “I’ve loved being part of Edinburgh’s development in the last four years, and I’m excited by the prospect of helping the club push on.
“As a player, you always want to be part of a set-up that’s going forward, and I firmly believe that this is the right environment for me to carry on maturing.
"I look forward to enjoying more good times with Edinburgh. It’s great to have my future sorted out, and I’m thrilled that future is with Edinburgh.”
Nick Scrivener, the club’s interim head coach, confirmed: “Ross putting pen to paper is a massive boost for everyone. He’s a huge player for us in every sense, and resigning someone of that quality is a positive signal about where we’re at as a club and where we want to go.
“Physically, Ross is a tremendous specimen: he’s got all the ingredients you’d want in a modern hooker as well as a fantastic work ethic. We’re looking to him to really be a leader, in terms of his own performance and how he influences those around him, and we look forward to working with him to ensure he continues to go from strength to strength over the next couple of years.”
Craig Docherty, the Edinburgh chief executive, hailed the retention of Ford as “the perfect follow-up” to the new Visser deal. He said: “I’m sure our supporters will be as happy as I am that Ross is staying with the club and has bought into our plans for growth in a rugby and commercial sense.
“It’s fantastic that we’ll be able to count on his services going forward. The news also sends out a powerful message that we’re both determined and able to hold on to talented, sought-after players and are continuing to invest significantly in the squad.”
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