Tom Curry is set to miss Sale Sharks’ Champions Cup clash with Racing 92 on Friday as he undergoes a cutting-edge stem-cell procedure to manage a chronic hip condition.
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Comeback king
Curry, 26, endured a challenging season last year, sidelined for months after career-saving hip surgery. Remarkably, he recovered to feature on England’s summer tour of New Zealand and in the Autumn Internationals.
Long-term focus
Sale’s director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, revealed that the procedure is part of a carefully crafted plan aimed at ensuring Tom Curry is fit and firing for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“It’s not a cure, more like a medicine,” Sanderson explained to BBC Sport. “It helps bone growth from his previous operation by injecting stem cells into his hip. He’ll have a week of total rest while the bone grows, then he’s back to running.”
Science in sport
Stem-cell therapy is a revolutionary treatment designed to repair damaged tissue. While still relatively new, it offers hope for players like Curry dealing with chronic injuries.
Christmas comeback
Sanderson expects Curry to return to action around Christmas, with England head coach Steve Borthwick fully on board with Sale’s long-term approach.
“We mapped out the season with Steve,” Sanderson said. “He’s 100% behind it. The goal is getting Tom to the World Cup without another operation.”
Game management
Under RFU guidelines, England players have a 30-game season limit, but Tom Curry’s workload will be carefully managed to avoid pushing him near that cap.
“We’ve planned for him to feature in about 23 games—16 for Sale and the rest with England,” Sanderson confirmed. “It’s all about sustainability. He’s managing a chronic condition, and overplaying risks shortening his career.”
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Bookies Reckon This is the Lions Squad for the 2025 Aussie Tour – And Some Picks Will Surprise You
BACK-THREE (6)
The back-three boasts a dynamic mix, with Duhan van der Merwe and James Lowe bringing powerful running and finishing ability. Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are tipped to add youthful flair and speed, while Hugo Keenan and Darcy Graham round out the squad with their solid defensive skills.
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 8/11
- Darcy Graham (Scotland) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
In the centre, Bundee Aki is a strong favorite for his physicality, while Ollie Lawrence has made a name for himself with his impressive form. Sione Tuipulotu and Robbie Henshaw provide additional versatility and experience.
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
The fly-half selection highlights Finn Russell’s creativity and flair, with Marcus Smith and George Ford both showcasing tactical nous and playmaking ability.
- Finn Russell (Scotland) – 1/10
- Marcus Smith (England) – 8/15
- George Ford (England) – 8/11
SCRUM-HALVES (3)
A competitive scrum-half group sees Jamison Gibson-Park favored for his quick service and decision-making, while Alex Mitchell and Ben White are both strong contenders.
- Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) – 8/11
- Alex Mitchell (England) – 11/10
- Ben White (Scotland) – 11/10
PROP (3)
The front row is anchored by stalwarts like Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter, while Ellis Genge and Joe Marler add depth and experience.
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 1/8
- Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/7
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland) – 4/11
- Ellis Genge (England) – 4/6
- Joe Marler (England) – 5/6
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland) – 5/4
HOOKER (3)
With Dan Sheehan leading the way, the hookers are expected to be agile and mobile, crucial for the fast-paced style of play the Lions aim to adopt.
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 1/10
- Jamie George (England) – 8/15
- Elliot Dee (Wales) – 6/5
LOCK (5)
In the locks, Maro Itoje remains a cornerstone, complemented by Tadhg Beirne’s athleticism and versatility.
- Maro Itoje (England) – 1/33
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) – 1/10
- Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 4/6
- Ollie Chessum (England) – 8/11
- George Martin (England) – 11/10
BACK-ROW (6)
Finally, the back row combines experience and dynamism, with Josh van der Flier and Courtney Lawes bringing a wealth of international experience and physicality.
- Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ben Earl (England) – 1/5
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3
- Courtney Lawes (England) – 8/15
- Tommy Reffell (Wales) – 4/6
- Rory Darge (Scotland) – 6/4
Rugby World Cup-winning captains – can you name them all?
Out of these exceptional leaders, some have claimed the title just once, while others have done so on multiple occasions. Captains from nations such as New Zealand, Australia, England, and South Africa are part of the exclusive list of multiple-time champions.
We challenge you to identify all Rugby World Cup-winning captains across the tournament’s history spanning 10 editions.
