In an extraordinary turn of events, Tom Curry, the Sale flanker, is on the verge of a miraculous recovery from what was feared to be a potentially career-ending hip injury.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
At just 25, Curry’s resilience and determination have astounded medical professionals and fans alike, raising hopes that he could don the Sale jersey again before the season’s end and possibly be in contention for England’s summer tour squad.
“He’s doing really well,” said the Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson.
“He was away in the wilderness rehabbing, for a few months. We would see him come in and go out. But Tom is very much back in the fold, which I’m very grateful for.
“He is bombing around, his hip looks good and his brother was back in training today as well, which is great.
“Now there is an outside chance of Tom coming back at the end of this season and making a final or two, if we get there – when we get there!
“His brain chemistry is a bit different. His ability to set new horizons and break things down into smaller, achievable goals is unsurpassed. If anyone was going to get over a career-threatening injury, it was going to be Tom. And he’s doing it. I’m not surprised, but I am in awe.
“He’s that kind of man. He did that hip (injury) at the World Cup and I know it was unbelievably painful. He was walking like an old man, but he pushed himself through that to get England to where they got to (semi-final).”
A liability” – Telegraph rank England’s five worst 2024 Six Nations players
Telegraph Sport conducted a thorough assessment of each England player’s performance during the Six Nations, with criticism aimed at several individuals.
One player was labeled a liability, while another is advised to come to terms with the idea that their peak playing days may be behind them.
5 players who underperformed:
#5. Alex Coles – 6/10
Coles is a member of the Premiership outfit Northampton Saints, a club he has been associated with since the age of 13. His journey with the Saints began when he joined their senior academy in the summer of 2017, eventually making his senior debut in November of the following year.
With versatility spanning across the second and back rows, Coles has represented his country from U16 level all the way through to U20, featuring prominently in the U20 Six Nations and the World Rugby U20 Championship.
His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the England senior Men’s squad ahead of the 2022 Autumn Nations Series, where he marked his debut in their narrow 30-29 defeat against Argentina.
They wrote: “A cumulative 15 minutes of action, but it is telling that England opted for no lock replacement in their final two matches.”
RUCK RATING: 6.25/10