“Our Dad loved him” – Tom Curry names his four favourite back-rowers of all-time

Monday, 03 March 2025 at 12:54

byRugby Rucker

Tom Curry has established himself as a vital leader for Steve Borthwick’s England squad—though his journey has hit another injury setback.

The Sale Sharks flanker burst onto the scene in the 2016/17 season, making his Twickenham debut in an uncapped clash against the Barbarians in May 2017. His chance came after twin brother Ben withdrew with a back spasm, paving the way for Tom to step up.

Making History at 18

Just a month later, Curry made his mark in England's Test side, featuring against Argentina in San Juan—five days before his 19th birthday. That appearance made him England’s youngest flanker in history and their youngest forward since 1912. The only player to debut at a younger age? Jonny Wilkinson.

Curry’s rise continued in the 2019 Six Nations, where he started every game and crossed the whitewash against Wales and Scotland. Later that year, he played a key role in England’s run to the Rugby World Cup final, earning a nomination for World Rugby Player of the Year.

DID YOU KNOW?

Curry studied at Oundle School, where his uncle—former England international John Olver—oversaw the rugby programme.

Tom Curry’s Dream Back-Row

The England star has named his ultimate flanker picks—some legendary names make the cut!

Richard Hill (England)

A vital cog in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, Hill was known for his tireless work rate and ability to do the unseen dirty work that allowed England’s other stars to shine. A one-club man with Saracens, he earned 71 caps for England between 1997 and 2008, and his defensive prowess made him one of the most respected flankers of his era.

Curry says: "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."

David Pocock (Australia)

One of the finest openside flankers of the modern era, Pocock earned 83 caps for Australia between 2008 and 2019. A master at the breakdown, his ability to steal possession was second to none. Off the pitch, Pocock is known for his activism, particularly in environmental and humanitarian causes.

Curry says: "Watching him a lot, he's probably the person I've tried to emulate most. Not just as a player, but as a bloke—his training regime always looked intense. An incredible player."

Lawrence Dallaglio (England)

A legendary figure in English rugby, Dallaglio was part of England’s 2003 World Cup-winning squad and captained the side after Martin Johnson’s retirement. A versatile back-rower, he could play both flanker and number eight, offering power and leadership. Across his career, he won 85 England caps and made over 200 appearances for Wasps.

Curry says: "Dallaglio was a big player for us growing up, and our dad loved him. His ability at eight and his physical carrying would make this back row really exciting. Probably a bit of a boring answer, but he has to be in there."

Sébastien Chabal (France)

A cult hero in world rugby, Chabal was known as much for his fearsome beard and long hair as his brutal playing style. Nicknamed "The Caveman," he played 62 times for France between 2000 and 2011, becoming a fan favourite with his explosive ball carrying and bone-crunching tackles. After retiring, he moved into punditry and business.

Curry says: "The only other option would be Sébastien Chabal. He was probably the first person we idolised as Sale supporters when we moved to the North West."

NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:

Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)

Owens said: "For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.

"But I go for Folau - only just, I should stress - because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.

"It’s a toss of a coin for me... and it’s come down in Folau’s favour."

Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Owens said: "How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.

"I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.

"When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem."

Outside-centre: Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

Owens said: "Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.

"A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch."

Inside-centre: Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)

Owens said: "He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.

"What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years."

Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)

Owens said: "When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.

"But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.

"He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that."

Fly-half: Dan Carter (New Zealand)

Owens said: "There are lots of outside-halves who have been great, but not one who has done it over so many years like Carter.

"Before the 2015 World Cup, some people said he was past his best and wouldn’t make the New Zealand squad for the tournament.

"But for Carter to come back from injury and play as well as he did then is a sign of a special player."

Scrum-half: Agustin Pichot (Argentina)

Owens said: "I used to love watching Dwayne Peel in his prime as a scrum-half for those few years between 2004-06 with Wales, the Lions and Llanelli. Talented, a great guy, he also has a house just up the road from me!

"But I’ve just plumped for Pichot who was a great player for the Pumas and also a great ambassador for the game of rugby in general.

"Pichot and Felipe Contepomi were the ones who helped transform Argentina into one of the greatest sides in the world. He was an architect behind their march to the World Cup semi-finals in 2007, which set the trend ahead of their excellent showing in the 2015 tournament, too."

Loosehead-prop: Gethin Jenkins (Wales)

Owens said: "He rarely smiles but has been a terrific player at loose-head prop. When I’ve penalised him and he’s smiled, I know I’d got the decision right!

"But, suffice to say, he hasn’t smiled often when I’ve refereed him. Another who has stood the test of time, which speaks volumes about his ability and character."

Hooker: John Smit (South Africa)

Owens said: "He led the Springboks to success at the 2007 World Cup in France and against the 2009 Lions and is probably one of the greatest captains I have dealt with. He’s a good man and was a very good player at hooker."

Tighthead-prop: Phil Vickery (England)

Owens said: "I always had a lot of time for him, found him a decent man, a good player to referee. He wasn’t one of those who would whinge at decisions, he would accept the call and get on with it.

"As a player, at his peak with Wasps during their European runs and with England in 2007, he was a formidable force.

"Just about edges out Carl Hayman, another great player and a pretty honest one as well. When he got it wrong and I penalised him, he would accept it."

Lock: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

Owens said: "A man of few words, he does his talking on the field with his actions. Not only is he a brilliant player and a very good captain but I don’t think I have reffed a match where he hasn’t given absolutely everything."

Lock: Paul O'Connell (Ireland)

Owens said: "Quite simply he was just an exceptional leader. I have been in charge of games where he pretty much carried his team, whether it was Munster or Ireland, almost on his back and onto victory."

Blindside-flanker: Thierry Dusautoir (France)

Owens said: "My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was. He unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career — recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup — led by example and understood the game very well.

"Also, he was exemplary in the way he conducted himself.

"There were never any complaints from him over refereeing, not even when borderline decisions went against France. When his team were crushed 62-13 by New Zealand during the 2015 World Cup, he wasn’t tempted to blame anyone.

"He acted as a true leader should act."

Openside-flanker: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Owens said: "Even though there’s been David Pocock and others in this position, how can I not go with Richie?

"If anybody had to pick the greatest player in history, it would surely be a difficult choice between him and Gareth Edwards.

"How McCaw managed to put his body on the line and sometimes the wrong side at rucks for so many years at flanker is incredible."

Number 8: Sergio Parisse (Italy)

Owens said: "I’ve been fortunate to have refereed some tremendous No.8s during my career but Sergio is tops. He’s such a talented player and rarely has a bad game.

"Maybe there’s a tendency to try and do too much because he’s been in an Italy or Stade Francais team which hasn’t been at its best, but he’s been extraordinary."