Ford, a wing, was born in Launceston, Tasmania and claimed a total of 7 international rugby caps for Australia.

He began his early football career playing Australian Rules but switched to rugby when he and his brothers Jack and Percy went to St. Joseph's College at Hunters Hill in Sydney.

Troubled by frequent knee problems throughout his career, he nevertheless played on without demur and in 1929 won the New South Wales Rugby Union Sprint Championship.

[3] Eric Ford was selected for the 1927–28 Waratahs tour of the British Isles, France and Canada and appeared in all five internationals.

Eric Ford, a modest man and quiet achiever, additionally played 68 first grade games for his club and featured in two premiership finals.