Ford in reverse over Faz outburst

Mike Ford was today forced into a hasty climbdown as the fall-out from England's shambolic World Cup defence threatened to tear the squad apart.

Just three days ago, England's defence coach claimed Andy Farrell would never make it as a Test rugby union player because injury has wrecked his career since switching codes.

Those comments angered Farrell's club, Saracens, with director of rugby Alan Gaffney claiming the England management were more interested in saving their own jobs than getting the best out of the 32-year-old.

In an embarrassing U-turn, Ford has now been forced to issue a statement showing his support for the former Great Britain rugby league skipper, known to his team-mates as Faz.

To add to the intrigue, Farrell was pulled out of today's press conference so he could practise his kicking - even though he is on the bench to face Samoa on Saturday.

Ford, who used to be Farrell's club boss, said: "I signed him for Saracens [in 2005] because I knew he was a special player and the attributes he had in rugby league he could translate to union, at No10 or 12. The fact he was a goal-kicker and a leader was a double bonus.

"He is a very good technical player in terms of passing, kicking, tackling and decision-making and he has a real 'follow-me' attitude.

"I'm one of his biggest supporters in terms of him changing codes. I did that from day one, during his 12 months out with injury.

"The fact he got injured didn't help, but no one could foresee those situations. What we are seeing now is that he is getting better and better with every game."