George Ford is the leading points scorer in the league.
Sale Sharks have signed England fly-half George Ford fromLeicester on a "long-term" deal.
Ford has helped the Tigers to eight wins from eight this season.
Alex Sanderson said the signing of Ford was a huge boost.
"George Ford is one of the best fly-halves in the game over the last five years," said Sanderson.
He's playing the best rugby of his career so we're getting him at the right time.
I had the chance to show him around the ground and he believes in the ambition of the club and in the culture of the club, because of the fact that he has taken this decision, in the form that he's in, with Leicester doing so well.
He's a northerner and his heart is in this area. He's been away for a while but he's coming back. His family is important to him and I know that his life outside rugby has played a part in this move.
England's Steward said he watched these guys as a kid.
Ford told the leaders he was leaving earlier in the week, according to Steve Borthwick.
Borthwick said he was grateful to have had the privilege of working with him for a number of years.
We are fortunate to have the best following in rugby, who have been able to enjoy watching George represent their club for many years and I am sure they will echo me in thanking him for his contribution to the club.
It was the most difficult decision of Ford's career.
He said he would give his all for the rest of his time at the club.
Ford was left out of the England squad for the autumn internationals despite his club form.
He has refused the advances of clubs in France to stay in the top flight and fight for an England recall.
Ford and Tuilagi are both set to join the Sharks, as is Tom Curry and a young scrum-half named Raffi Quirke.
Ford has become one of the best fly-halves in the world after guiding England to a Grand Slam in 2016 and the Rugby World Cup final in 2019.
The family ties behind Ford's decision were analyzed.
Adam Whitty is a radio host.
It will be difficult for the fans of the Tigers to take this news. His play has led to eight wins for the team.
Fans may have hoped for more from him after he was dropped from the England team.
It's understood that Sale andLeicester both made improved wage offers to keep the fly-half at Welford Road, with the latter putting an improved offer on the table.
Ford returned to the club he started his career with four years ago, but has decided to leave. His family ties to the Manchester area, recent wage cuts caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic, and the departure of his father from the coaching staff appear to have given him reasons enough for him to leave.
