England’s back-row is already dealing with several injuries, bringing into question if Curry will be fit enough to tour.
Star England flanker Tom Curry missed Sale Sharks’ thrilling play-off semi-final victory over Bristol Bears, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming summer tour to Australia. The 24-year-old has been a key part of the England back-row in recent years, having won 46 caps for his country, but a hamstring injury suffered in the Premiership semi-final could rule him out of the three-Test series Down Under.
Eddie Jones’ side will face the Wallabies in the first Test in Perth on July 2, before travelling to Brisbane and Sydney for the second and third Tests. The summer tour is seen as a crucial part of England’s preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, but Curry’s absence would be a significant blow.
Curry is just one of several England back-rowers who are currently injured. Sam Underhill, who played alongside Curry in the back-row at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, is also out with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Courtney Lawes (head), Lewis Ludlam (ankle) and Jack Willis (knee) are all also currently sidelined.
If Curry is ruled out of the tour, it will leave Jones with a number of selection headaches.
Ben Earl and Alex Dombrandt are likely to be the favourites to start in the back-row, but Jones could also consider recalling Mark Wilson or Nathan Hughes, who have both been in good form for Newcastle Falcons and Bristol Bears respectively.
The loss of Curry would be a major blow to England, who are already without a number of key players. The summer tour to Australia is a vital part of their preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and they will need to be at full strength if they are to challenge the Wallabies.
Kind regards
C. Dixon.
