Still only 23, England flanker Tom Curry has become a leader for Eddie Jones’ team.
The Sale Sharks flanker had a breakthrough season in 2016/17 and made his Twickenham bow in an uncapped game against the Barbarians in May 2017, after twin brother Ben had withdrawn because of a back spasm.
The following month Tom appeared in the first Test against Argentina in San Juan five days before his 19th birthday, becoming the youngest player to start at flanker for England and youngest forward since 1912 – only the great Jonny Wilkinson has been a younger debutant for England.
He started every game of the 2019 Six Nations scoring tries against Wales and Scotland and was part of the England squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. His performances across that year saw him nominated for the World Rugby player of the year.
In May 2021, he was selected to represent the British and Irish Lions on their tour of South Africa.
Speaking about Tom, England Coach Eddie Jones said: “He’s become a real leader within our team, he drives the physical standards, drives the standards of the breakdown and he’s only going to keep improving.”
DID YOU KNOW? Tom Curry studied at Oundle School – where the master in charge of rugby was their uncle and former England international John Olver
TOM CURRY: ALL-TIME BACK-ROW
Blindside-flanker: Richard Hill (England)
The flanker was “first on the team-sheet,” according to Martin Johnson and Sir Clive Woodward. Praised by Jeremy Guscott for his “work rate”, it is no wonder the forward scored so many points.
Curry said: “I have to go Hilly. As a mentor growing up from 15 he has to be in my team. His reputation and how good he was as a player, I think he’d be really fun to play with.”