Ford returning to Leicester in Burns swap

The 23-year-old Ford has been a key figure during Grand Slam champions England's unbeaten run under coach Eddie Jones.

He made his senior debut for the Midlands club Leicester before joining southwest side Bath.

Part of the deal between two of England's most prestigious rugby teams will see Leicester fly-alf Freddie Burns move in the opposite direction to join his hometown club Bath.

"We are absolutely delighted to be able to confirm the signing of George Ford, a player we obviously know well from his time here in the academy and as a young man making the breakthrough into senior rugby," said Tigers head coach Aaron Mauger.

"He has become one of the leading players in his position in Europe and is still a young man with a lot of rugby ahead him. We look forward to his return to Welford Road.

"While delighted to be able to bring in George, we are disappointed to lose Freddie who has been an outstanding player for us in the last three years. Freddie has bought totally into the Tigers ethos in his time here and he is a popular member of the squad with the players and supporters.

"Freddie has made a significant contribution on and off the field here and we look forward to him continuing to play a prominent role with us in the remainder of the season while wishing him well when he moves to Bath."

Agence France-Presse