Tom & Ben Curry Lead England’s Back Row Battle vs Ireland

Cataleya

January 29, 2025 · 1 min read

Tom & Ben Curry Lead England’s Back Row Battle vs Ireland
Other Sports | January 29, 2025
The brothers both featured against New Zealand in the autumn but not together, as Ben came on to replace Tom just before the hour mark. (Image: Getty)

Tom and Ben Curry will play together for England for the first time as starting flankers in their Six Nations clash against Ireland on Saturday. The 26-year-old twins from Sale will line up alongside number eight Ben Earl in a dynamic back row. England’s bench features six forwards including Ollie Chessum, Chandler Cunningham-South and Tom Willis.

Uncapped wing Cadan Murley starts on the left flank with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso sidelined by a dislocated shoulder. Alex Mitchell has recovered from a knee injury to start at scrum-half, partnering Marcus Smith at fly-half. Freddie Steward fills in at full-back for the injured George Furbank while Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence continue in midfield. Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie replaces Jamie George, who is out with a hamstring issue. Captain Maro Itoje resumes his second-row partnership with George Martin.

Ben Curry, the older twin by 90 minutes, described the moment as “very special,” recalling childhood dreams of wearing an England shirt. Tom made his debut at 18 in 2017 while Ben had to wait until 2021. Head coach Steve Borthwick emphasized the work rate and intensity of the back row, aiming to disrupt Ireland’s rhythm. “This is an exciting team that wants to play with athleticism and ball movement,” he said, hoping to make fans “walk into work on Monday feeling brilliant.”

Meanwhile, Tom Willis set to earn his second cap from the bench has impressed with Saracens, excelling in Premiership stats. Focused on hard work, he aims to put England on the front foot. England face a tough challenge against reigning champions Ireland but will be eager to start their Six Nations campaign with a statement performance.