He was a pupil at Saddleworth School in Uppermill, Greater Manchester, from 1976 to 1981, where he was taught, and coached by Phil Larder.

Ford played scrum-half in Wigan's 14–8 victory over New Zealand in the tour match on Sunday 6 October 1985.

Ford made his début for Warrington on Wednesday 1 November 1995, and he played his last match for Warrington on Monday 8 April 1996, he made his début for Wakefield Trinity during the 1996 season, and he played his last match for Wakefield Trinity during the 1997 season.

Whilst at Oldham, he started coaching rugby union at Dukinfield RUFC for 5 seasons, winning a cup and two promotions.

He served as a defence coach for the British & Irish Lions midweek team on their 2005 tour to New Zealand, remaining undefeated in 7 games (the test side lost the series 3–0).

Deciding not to seek a renewal of his England contract,[12] Ford joined the coaching staff at Bath Rugby.