Ex-Bath and England coach Mike Ford joins Dallas in US Major League Rugby

• Coach most recently with Toulon signs ‘long-term contract’ in new league
• MLR aims to begin play in spring 2018 as competitions jostle for US success

The former Bath, England and Lions coach Mike Ford has signed with the Dallas Griffins, one of nine teams forming Major League Rugby, a US competition which aims to begin play in 2018.

Related: Pro12 plan for US expansion with Houston team faces tough challenges