“I’m very excited for this challenge”: Ford and Belgium ready to go
Mike Ford has probably had the least time out of all of the head coaches involved in the Rugby Europe Championship to work with his squad before the showpiece event, but the Englishman is looking to hit the ground running.
The former rugby league man is an experienced rugby union coach and has been involved at some big clubs previously, so he will hope that will stand him in good stead as he takes Belgium into the expanded tournament.
He was only appointed to the post in January, but Belgium have some experienced players in the squad and the fact that the team also won the Trophy divison last season should give them confidence going forward.
They have been placed in Pool B with Portugal, Romania and Poland and play the former in their opener away in Lisbon on Saturday evening.
“I’m very exciting for this challenge with the Belgium team,” Ford said.
“For various reasons our first training session together didn’t take place until the Wednesday before the Portugal game, so we know we have to work very hard to bridge the gap between us and teams like that who have been together longer.
“I met and did a training session with the [Rugby Europe Super Cup side] Brussels Devils recently and I was very enthused about the players desire to learn and get better.
“Having a Belgian team in the Super Cup has most definitely helped rugby in the country, its a great concept. The more you expose teams and players to a higher level the quicker they learn and develop.
“All eights teams bring their own challenges to this Championship with Portugal and Romania in our Pool and very strong having qualified for the World Cup.
“The most important thing for the Belgium team is that we learn and grow throughout the competition and get better with every game.
“I’m hoping that, in the next few weeks, everyone in a Belgium shirt can show their own unique qualities.”
Portugal vs Belgium – Saturday 4th February – 8pm CET live on rugbyeurope.tv, Sport TV (POR), FloRugby (North America), SportAll (France)
By Gary Heatly
Photo: World Rugby/Getty
