Sale Sharks issue injury update on Tom Curry — it's not great

Wednesday, 10 September 2025 at 12:28

byRugby Rucker

Sale Sharks fans can breathe a little easier after Tom Curry’s wrist operation, with the England flanker’s surgery “has gone really well”.

The bad news? They won’t see him back in a Sharks shirt until December.

Curry went under the knife following the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia to repair a long-term wrist ligament issue. With rehab to complete and England duties on the horizon, Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson is preparing to be without his star man until winter.

Speaking about the 26-year-old, who remarkably battled through the pain barrier to play in six Lions fixtures – including all three Tests – Sanderson admitted:

“If we get him back a week before Autumn, it’ll be a surprise to us. I think he will go straight back into international camp in the Autumn.

He is back in now, doing physio, and is around the place, which is great. Tom’s surgery has gone really well, everything is super positive.”

Curry has made a career of proving medics wrong with his superhuman recoveries. He famously returned ahead of schedule after surgery that saw a metal rod inserted into his hip – and Sanderson says he’s already showing the same resilience again.

“He will be coming back probably prior to the date that the specialist has scheduled because that’s what he does. But it won’t be in time for the start of the season or anytime before the Autumn.”

“Not at the level” – Four Springboks and four Lions in 2025 World XV

The British & Irish Lions may have returned from Australia with a 2–1 series victory, but selection into the current World XV has been far less generous.

Despite Maro Itoje leading the side to glory as captain, only four Lions make the cut—evidence that while the tour was successful on the scoreboard,

it didn’t necessarily produce a team packed with the form players of world rugby. South Africa and New Zealand dominate the line-up, with France and Italy also making strong contributions.

World XV

1. Ox Nché (South Africa — Loose-head Prop)

The Springboks’ scrum weapon. Ox Nché’s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He’s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa’s physical dominance.

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland — Hooker)

Ireland’s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025—scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan’s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.

3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand — Tight-head Prop)

Now firmly established as the All Blacks’ anchor on the tight-head side, Lomax offers brute force in the scrum and strong contributions in the loose. His work rate around the field complements his set-piece reliability.

4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa — Lock)

A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth’s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.

5. Maro Itoje (England — Lock)

Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless—dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.

6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland — Lock/Back-Row)

A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne’s versatility makes him a coach’s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa — Lock/Back-Row)

Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.

8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand — No. 8)

A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.

9. Antoine Dupont (France — Scrum-Half)

The heartbeat of French rugby, Dupont combines lightning quick service with unmatched running threat from No. 9. Even after injury setbacks, he remains the gold standard for modern scrum-halves.

10. Finn Russell (Scotland — Fly-Half)

Russell continues to redefine playmaking at fly-half—pulling the strings with vision, audacious kicks, and pinpoint passing. His composure under pressure has made him one of the most feared playmakers in the game.

11. Damien Penaud (France — Wing)

Penaud is a finisher supreme, with a try-scoring record that rivals anyone in the world game. Blessed with pace, footwork, and instincts, he can turn half-chances into match-winners.

12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy — Inside Centre)

Italy’s rising star has the power to break the gain line and the finesse to release his outside backs. His emergence has been a major factor in Italy’s growing competitiveness on the international stage.

13. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand — Centre)

Tall, skilful, and physically imposing, Barrett offers stability in defence and creativity in attack. His kicking game and vision add an extra dimension to the midfield.

14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa — Wing)

Still one of the most electrifying players in rugby, Kolbe’s footwork and acceleration can dismantle any defensive line. A proven match-winner in the biggest games.

15. Tom Wright (Australia — Fullback)

Australia’s dependable fullback brings a sharp counter-attacking game and safe hands under the high ball. His positional play and attacking awareness make him a key figure in the Wallabies backline.

Test Your Rugby Knowledge: Top 17 Point Scorers Quiz

Whether they dominated with ice-cool penalty kicks, pinpoint conversions, or electrifying tries, these players have made their mark on the game.

You’ve got four minutes on the clock—can you list them all? Grab a pen, set the timer, and let’s see if you’ve got what it takes to ace this ultimate rugby challenge!