England lose their Ford
England were dealt another setback with confirmation that flyhalf George Ford will undergo shoulder surgery next week.
It will rule him out of next month's three-Test tour of New Zealand.
The bad news was delivered by his father, Mike Ford, who is also head coach of his Bath club team.
Ford, who was in line to wear the No.10 jersey in the first Test against the All Blacks on June 7, played for Bath in their 16-30 loss to Northampton Saints in the Challenge Cup Final in Cardiff on Friday.
His father, Mike, revealed the news of the pending surgery to a post-match media contingent at Arms Park.
"We took advice from the medics at both Bath and England," Mike Ford said.
"It was decided that while he can get through this last game, he'll need an operation to start next season well.
"It's a big season with the World Cup coming, so it's the right decision for George.
"He was down for a couple of days but realised it's the best thing for him. The last thing he needs is for his shoulder to go early next season.
"It's right for him to have the operation straight after the final and get strong for next season."
The Bath No.10, who has two Test caps, picked up the golden boot award for the 2013-14 Premiership season.
Ford's 235 points saw off his nearest challenger, Northampton and England's Stephen Myler, by 15 points.
