Rugby-Jones believes Bath tactics restricted Ford's development

Flyhalf George Ford's drop in form is down to tactics employed by Todd Blackadder at Bath and the club's style of play has restricted his development, England coach Eddie Jones has said.

Ford lost his place in the Bath lineup when Blackadder opted for Rhys Preistland as his starting No 10 for the last two rounds of the Premiership season.

Jones, however, had no concerns about the form of the 24-year-old as they prepare to face the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday before heading out to Argentina for two tests next month.

"Sometimes players in their clubs are asked to play in a different way and it doesn't suit them," Jones told reporters.

"I saw plenty of effort from George. How he was being asked to play for Bath doesn't really suit how he plays and it restricted his development."

Next season, Ford will return to Leicester Tigers four years after leaving Welford Road for Bath.

"You want to be a part of a successful team," Ford said.

"I'm looking forward to rejoining Leicester and hopefully be part of a team that can really challenge and win trophies again because I know that's what the club want to do."

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)