Sale Sharks shrugged off speculation surrounding Tom Curry during the summer, but they face a stern test to keep hold of their prize assets.
RUCK sources suggest that Leicester Tigers are very interested in the 24-year-old England star, who has won 42 England caps, including three for the Lions in 2021, since making his impactful international debit against Argentina in 2017.
Sharks are adamant that their academy product, who is out of contract next summer, is going nowhere and remain confident that he will soon sign a new long-term AJ Bell Stadium deal.
However, a different source revealed Curry, who is one the underpaid England stars, may have had his head turned by a higher offer from Tigers.
Curry is currently away on international duty as a key part of Eddie Jones squad for the Autumn Nations Series.
The plan for Sale has always been to sort out Curry’s long-term future with the offer of a new deal worth somewhere in the region of £600,000-a-season, which would make him the clubs highest-paid player.
They’d be able to fund this in part due to Manu Tuilagi departing the club next summer.
That represents a massive pay hike for the fans’ favourite who is on just £430,000-a-season and all the indications are that Curry will be happy to put pen to paper before the new season starts.
His representatives have been kept fully informed of Sale’s intentions and have already held informal conversations.
Fan reaction:
One fan wrote: “It’s no secret – they want Tom Curry, but why would he leave a club on the up. Sale are going places under Alex Sanderson,”
“Even though he fancied the move to Leicester a little while ago, he’s got to be having some doubts now. Sharks are the better team,” wrote the second.
A third commented: “Tigers need a new figurehead. Curry could be that for the next 10 years. Do everything to sign him.
Tom Curry facts:
- Curry played for Crewe & Nantwich in the early stages of his amateur career where he was coached by his father as well as local cult hero Bobby Walsh
- He, along with his twin brother Ben, is the son of Bishop Heber High School Head Teacher David Curry and nephew of former England hooker John Olver
- It is true that the brothers had a trial at Manchester City, who the twins support, but that was scuppered by Tom scoring a spectacular own goal. Probably for the best in the end
- The only way you can tell Tom and Ben apart is by their hair. Tom has his styled to the right while Ben has his swept to the left.
- The duo played for Sale FC in National 2 League North before making their debut for Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership
England players wages revealed with £460k-a-season Marcus Smith the seventh highest earner
Marcus Smith might be the latest big thing in English rugby but he is still only England’s seventh highest earner.
#10. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks) – £430,000 per season
#9. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints) – £450,000
#8. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs) – £450,000
#7. Marcus Smith (Harlequins) – £460,000
#6. Mako Vunipola (Saracens) – £500,000
