Gerringong resident Ford has secured a one-year contract with Plymouth to play in the National One competition, and is hoping to impress clubs in the higher championship and premiership competitions.

He was able to secure a deal as his grandmother was born in England, which allows him to play as a local player.

For the past five years Ford has played first grade for Randwick and was working as an electrician.

"When I first came into first grade with the 'Galloping Greens', I was about 19 and it was towards the end of a great era for the club. A lot of players were around 30, and after that year we went through a rebuilding phase.

"But now a full-time contract allows me to concentrate fully on rugby as it has become hard to balance out both work and rugby."

He began his passion for the sport at the age of 14 when he started playing both league and union.

His junior league career had been shared between Gerringong and Jamberoo, but after playing under-15s, he decided to concentrate on rugby.

"Through school I had always played both and when I was 15 one of my teachers at Kiama High, Garnet Pike, suggested I try out for the South Coast Opens rugby team, despite only being 15. I not only made the South Coast team but finished up playing CHS thirds, despite being three years younger than some of the players in my team."

Ford plays at fullback and wing, but believes that his utility value can get him into the championship and premiership competitions.

He will join former Randwick teammate Marc Koteczky, who will be in his second year with Plymouth, and said it would be great to play with someone he knows.

He married his long-time partner, Reanah, last year, and said to travel and play overseas before they have a family was too good an opportunity to pass up.

"Reanah always wanted to travel and this is a great opportunity for her as well.

"We had been speaking about it for three or four years, but while I was getting my trade it wasn't really the right time for it, but now I have that behind me it is."

The National One competition consists of 12 teams and starts in September.