Paul Ackford (born 26 February 1958) is a former English rugby union international who played lock forward.
He played lock for England B aged 21 and represented Cambridge in the 1979 Varsity Match, but did not make an impact until joining Harlequins and the Police in 1983.
After impressing for the London Division against the touring Wallabies, he made his England debut on 5 November 1988 against Australia, aged 30.
Partnering police constable Wade Dooley, Ackford became an important part of the new side captained by Will Carling.
He retired from international rugby after the 1991 World Cup, won by Australia, becoming a journalist and writing for the Sunday Telegraph.