Wales skipper Sam Warburton has backed Rhys Priestland to become a better player upon joining Bath Rugby later this year.
The 28-year-old will make a switch from Scarlets in the autumn, looking to provide George North with competition while at the same time nailing down a starting spot at international level.
Priestland faces a tough task in ousting Ford at the Recreation Ground, but Warburton has faith that his Wales teammate can thrive in his new surroundings.
"Bath are a great club," he is quoted as saying by Planet Rugby. "With the facilities they have got, they are on the way up and with someone like Rhys, the better the players you put him with, the better he plays.
"He has been a great servant for the Scarlets for a while now and he would be a great addition to any squad. I am sure Rhys will add a lot to Bath and it will be a great battle for the No.10 shirt."
Priestland, who currently finds himself behind Dan Biggar in the Wales pecking order, had been a part of the Scarlets setup since 2005 when he graduated to the first team via their academy system.