For Tom Curry and Ben Curry, the dream of playing together for England has finally come true. After years of waiting, the twin brothers are set to make history as the first pair of twin siblings to start a Test match together for England. Both have been named in the starting lineup for England’s Six Nations opener against Ireland on Saturday, and this moment has been a long time coming. Their journey in professional rugby has been one of perseverance, hard work, and determination.
Early Years of Tom Curry and Ben Curry
The Curry twins, both dynamic flankers, have been playing rugby together for as long as they can remember. They first broke into Sale’s senior team in the 2016-17 season and quickly made a name for themselves. Their performances on the pitch were so impressive that they were selected for England’s summer tour of Argentina in 2017, following their stellar campaigns with the under-20s team. At only 18 years old, Tom and Ben Curry’s potential was undeniable.
The Curry brothers’ physical resemblance made it difficult to tell them apart, and it wasn’t just their appearance that confused people, but their incredible performances on the field. Former Sale head coach Steve Diamond shared a humorous moment from 2017, stating that when the brothers were both training, it was impossible to know who was who. “I just tell the coaches to bring me one of those Curries, and then I ask who it is,” Diamond said, reflecting on their early years in the professional game.
Despite their shared journey, the brothers had separate experiences in their initial appearances for England. Ben, who had captained Tom at under-20 level, suffered an injury that prevented him from making his England debut that summer. Meanwhile, Tom Curry seized the opportunity and became the youngest England starter in over 90 years during the tour of Argentina.
The Curry Twins’ International Journey
In 2017, it seemed like a matter of time before both Tom Curry and Ben Curry would play together for their country. However, fate had other plans. Tom’s rapid rise through the ranks saw him take the field against Argentina, becoming the youngest England starter in more than 90 years, after being named player of the match in a victory over the Barbarians. Ben, who had initially been selected to start, was forced to give up his spot due to a back injury, allowing Tom to take center stage.
It took a few more years for the brothers to align on the international stage. Tom played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup at the age of 21, where his combination with Sam Underhill was a revelation, earning them the nickname “kamikaze kids” by England coach Eddie Jones. In the meantime, Ben Curry had to wait for his chance. His opportunity came in 2021 when he earned his first cap against the United States, following a series of strong performances for Sale.
Despite their efforts to align for England’s Test matches, the pair continued to play separately for their country. In the 2023 Six Nations, Ben Curry had a regular role in the squad, while Tom Curry had to undergo hip surgery. However, the opportunity for the brothers to play together remained elusive. That was until last November, when England faced New Zealand, and Steve Borthwick, the England head coach, announced his desire to pair the brothers in the starting lineup. Unfortunately, fate once again intervened, as Tom Curry suffered an injury during the match and Ben Curry was brought in as a replacement in the dying stages.
The Curry Twins’ Big Break
After years of waiting and fighting for their moment to play together, the Curry twins will finally have their chance to shine as a pair. With Tom Curry’s experience and Ben Curry’s strong performances, they will line up together in the England starting 15 for the Six Nations opener against Ireland. This is a historic moment not only for the Curry brothers but also for English rugby, as no pair of twin brothers has ever started a Test match together for England before.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Ben Curry, reflecting on the journey to this point. “We have well-rounded skill sets that complement each other. It’s not just about having two players who are the same. We know each other inside out, and that helps us work together on the field. It’s something we’ve both been dreaming about for a long time.”
Tom Curry echoed his brother’s sentiment, saying, “To finally get the chance to start together for England is an incredible feeling. We’ve both worked so hard to get here, and this is a dream come true for us.”
The Impact of Tom Curry on England’s Squad
Tom Curry has been one of England’s most consistent and dynamic players in recent years. His work rate, tackling ability, and physical presence have made him an integral part of England’s back row. Curry has been praised for his tireless running and ability to make crucial turnovers, and he has established himself as a world-class flanker. His leadership skills have also been recognized, as he has captained Sale on several occasions and is seen as a future leader for England.
Curry’s impact on the England squad cannot be overstated. His ability to cover ground, his powerful defensive presence, and his ability to support the attack make him a versatile and essential player in England’s back row. As one of the best flankers in the world, Curry will play a crucial role in England’s Six Nations campaign.
Ben Curry’s Emerging Role in England’s Squad
While Tom Curry has long been a mainstay in the England squad, Ben Curry’s rise has been equally impressive. The Sale Sharks flanker has consistently shown his potential, and his inclusion in the Six Nations squad is a testament to his hard work and determination. With strong performances for Sale and the national team, Ben Curry has cemented his place in the starting lineup.
Ben Curry is a dynamic player in his own right. Known for his physicality, speed, and ability to disrupt the opposition, he is the perfect complement to his brother Tom in the back row. His contributions to the team are vital, and his experience in high-level rugby will be crucial for England as they take on Ireland in their opening Six Nations match.
The Curry Brothers’ Dynamic On and Off the Field
Growing up, Tom and Ben Curry were always competitive, not just in rugby, but in various sports like cricket, football, and athletics. However, it was in indoor bowls where Tom first got the upper hand on Ben, a victory he still likes to remind his twin about. “In primary school, we had indoor bowls, and I turned out to be really good at it. I was champion in my school, and it’s one of my favorite trophies,” Tom said with a smile, reminiscing about their early days.
The Curry twins have always been supportive of each other, both on and off the field. Despite their professional rugby careers, they continue to live together at the age of 26. However, it’s not all smooth sailing at home. “When we go home, it’s every man for himself,” Tom joked. “We don’t cook or eat together. We just do our own thing.”
Despite their different personalities off the field, their bond as brothers and teammates is unbreakable. Their complementary skills on the rugby field make them a force to be reckoned with, and their understanding of each other’s playing style is invaluable.
The Future for Tom Curry and Ben Curry
As the Curry brothers prepare to make history together in the Six Nations, the future looks bright for both players. Tom Curry has already established himself as one of the best flankers in world rugby, and Ben Curry’s continued rise suggests that he too will become a key player for both Sale and England in the years to come.
The opportunity to play together for England is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting chapter in the Curry brothers’ careers. As they continue to grow and develop as players, they will undoubtedly be integral to England’s success in the years ahead.
Conclusion
Tom Curry and Ben Curry’s dream of playing together for England is about to become a reality. After years of waiting, the twin brothers will make history as the first pair of twins to start a Test match together for England. Their journey from childhood competitors to professional rugby players has been one of dedication, perseverance, and brotherly support. With their complementary skills and deep understanding of each other’s game, the Curry twins are poised to make a significant impact on England’s Six Nations campaign and beyond. This historic moment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Curry brothers, and for England rugby.
