Statement: Curry twins have decided on their club future

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 at 12:34

byRugby Rucker

Sale Sharks have locked down two of their biggest weapons, with England stars Ben and Tom Curry committing their long-term futures to their boyhood club.

Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia

The 26-year-old back-row brothers, who debuted in 2016, have become synonymous with the Sharks jersey—tenacious, tireless, and terrifying at the breakdown.

Captain Fantastic: Ben’s Shark Rise

Club skipper Ben Curry has racked up an impressive 184 appearances for Sale since his debut in the Anglo-Welsh Cup against Wasps. He took over the captaincy reins last season following the retirement of fan favourite Jono Ross.

Ben made his England debut in 2021 against the USA at Twickenham and now has 11 international caps to his name. Most recently, he played a key role in England’s 2025 Six Nations campaign alongside his twin.

Record Breaker: Tom’s Early Spark

Tom Curry burst onto the scene in the European Champions Cup, becoming the youngest player ever to feature for Salein the competition and the fourth-youngest overall. Just two weeks later, he scored on his Premiership debut—becoming the third-youngest try-scorer in league history.

Since his England debut on the 2017 tour of Argentina, Tom has earned over 60 caps and started all three Tests for the British & Irish Lions in 2021 against South Africa.

Brotherly Bond: Double Trouble Since Day One

Their debut season ended with both brothers sharing Sale’s Young Player of the Season award—and they've never looked back.

Now, with a wealth of experience, international pedigree, and unmatched chemistry, the Curry twins are targeting silverware in Sharks blue.

What They Said

"This is my childhood club. I remember watching that final game at Edgeley Park and now I’m captain—it means everything."
"We’ve reached semi-finals and a final, and I really believe we’re ready to take that next step. I fully trust what Alex, Simon, Michelle, and Ged are building here."

Tom Curry:
"I grew up loving Sale Sharks—this is the pinnacle for me."
"For years, people said we had potential. That’s changed. We’re here now, we’re ready, and I believe this squad can win trophies—whether it’s this season or the next."

Jim Telfer names 12 England stars in Lions squad – Marcus Smith misses out

The former Lions coach, who famously delivered the spine-tingling ‘Everest’ speech on the 1997 tour, opted for three players per position in a balanced selection for Scottish Rugby News.

And while some inclusions were expected, Telfer hasn’t been afraid to raise eyebrows, especially with some bold calls in the backline.

Genge leads the English charge up front

Ellis Genge is a nailed-on pick at loosehead, joining Ireland’s Andrew Porter and Scotland’s Rory Sutherland.

Despite fitness concerns, Luke Cowan-Dickie is also included at hooker. There’s no England tighthead in the squad — a rare omission.

In the second row, Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum are both in, underlining their continued importance at international level.

Back-row packed with English muscle

Telfer has gone heavy on Englishmen in the back-row — naming Ben Earl and Tom Curry at blindside, with Ben Curry making the cut at openside alongside Josh van der Flier and Jac Morgan.

There’s no room for Zach Mercer, Sam Underhill, or Alex Dombrandt, despite all being part of the England conversation at various points.

Surprise call-ups out wide

Perhaps the biggest surprise is the selection of Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck on the wing, with both making huge impressions in the Premiership this season.

They’re joined by Fin Smith at fly-half and George Furbank, who has quietly impressed, as one of three full-back options.

Alex Mitchell is the sole English scrum-half picked, with no room for Danny Care or Harry Randall.

No Farrell, Marcus, or Steward

Shockingly, there’s no Owen Farrell, Marcus Smith, or Freddie Steward — three players who’ve carried the England backline for much of the last few years.

“Any selections should be based on the quality of the player,” Telfer told Scotland Rugby News.
“Not the name on the jersey. Some will disagree – but this squad can win in Australia.”

Full: Jim Telfer’s 45-man British & Irish Lions squad

Props
Loosehead: Ellis Genge (ENG), Andrew Porter (IRE), Rory Sutherland (SCO)
Tighthead: Tadhg Furlong (IRE), Finlay Bealham (IRE), Zander Fagerson (SCO)

Hookers
Luke Cowan-Dickie (ENG), Dan Sheehan (IRE), Dewi Lake (WAL)

Locks
Maro Itoje (ENG), Ollie Chessum (ENG), Joe McCarthy (IRE), Tadhg Beirne (IRE), Dafydd Jenkins (WAL), Scott Cummings (SCO)

Back Row
Blindside: Tom Curry (ENG), Ben Earl (ENG), Jamie Ritchie (SCO)
Openside: Josh van der Flier (IRE), Ben Curry (ENG), Jac Morgan (WAL)
Number 8: Caelan Doris (IRE), Jack Conan (IRE), Taulupe Faletau (WAL)

Scrum-halves
Jamison Gibson-Park (IRE), Alex Mitchell (ENG), Tomos Williams (WAL)

Fly-halves
Finn Russell (SCO), Fin Smith (ENG), Sam Prendergast (IRE)

Centres
Inside Centre: Bundee Aki (IRE), Sione Tuipulotu (SCO), Ben Thomas (WAL)
Outside Centre: Garry Ringrose (IRE), Huw Jones (SCO), Robbie Henshaw (IRE)

Wingers
Right Wing: Tommy Freeman (ENG), Darcy Graham (SCO), Tom Roebuck (ENG)
Left Wing: James Lowe (IRE), Duhan van der Merwe (SCO), Kyle Steyn (SCO)

Full-backs
Hugo Keenan (IRE), Blair Kinghorn (SCO), George Furbank (ENG)

QUIZ: Can you name the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?

Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.

? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?

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