England's George Ford crowned Quilter Player of the Series

Ford, 32, topped a strong four-man shortlist drawn from the highest Northern Hemisphere performers across the fan-voted Player Rater, earning close to 30% of the overall vote. It was a field that showcased the very best of the Quilter Nations Series: France’s electric Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Italy’s relentless Tommaso Menoncello, and England teammate Ben Earl, who covered almost every blade of grass this autumn.

But when the votes closed, it was Ford’s blend of control, invention and big-moment composure that carried the day.

A masterclass in control

Across England's unbeaten Quilter Nations Series, the playmaker from Oldham, Greater Manchester, delivered a near-flawless body of work. He completed every one of his 60 passes - the only fly-half across the Six Nations and Rugby Championship to record a 100% success rate - and once again leaned on his unique ability to change the pace and shape of a match with a single touch of the boot. His three drop goals were a reminder of both technique and temperament; only one other player slotted even one.

He was in full flow during England's superb victory against the All Blacks, contributing 13 points from the boot (including two of those delightful drop goals) in one of the finest Test-match displays of his glittering career.

England’s attack played with rhythm and clarity whenever he was at first receiver, and their management of tight contests owed much to Ford’s feel for territory, momentum and pressure. It was vintage Ford: unhurried, unfussy, utterly in command.

A career defined by intellect

For a decade or more now, Ford has been one of the most cerebral fly-halves in world rugby, a conductor whose reading of the game is matched by only a handful of players anywhere. He reached his England century this summer, a landmark built not on brute force or physicality, but on craft, vision and a deep understanding of how to move defences around like pieces on a board.

His club career has mirrored that intelligence. Whether steering Bath, Leicester or now Sale Sharks, Ford’s influence has been measured both in points and the calm which he brings to those around him. He has long been the player teammates look toward in the tensest moments.

During the launch of this year's Gallagher PREM at Allianz Stadium, at least three players from various clubs described Ford as having the most intelligent rugby brain they have ever encountered.

And while he is widely regarded as one of the finest British fly-halves of his era, Ford has never enjoyed the Lions recognition his performances have so often warranted. That's something that only adds to the sense of admiration surrounding this latest accolade: few players have combined consistency, tactical mastery and resilience quite as clearly.

Recognition richly earned

This Quilter Nations Series felt like a reminder of Ford’s enduring class. England’s progress this autumn had his fingerprints all over it: their organisation, their decision-making, their ability to control matches against elite opposition.

Bielle-Biarrey dazzled in open field. Menoncello battered gainlines at will. Earl ran himself to a standstill. But Ford shaped games so consistently, and supporters across Europe recognised the full weight of that influence.

A centurion, a statesman, a technician of the highest order: George Ford is your 2025 Quilter Player of the Series.