A 'Watson To World Cup' campaign has now launched after the Curry success

The rugby world has witnessed the power of social media this past week, as a campaign with the hashtag #GetBenToJapan saw Sale Sharks flanker Ben Curry granted permission by his club to fly to Japan to watch twin brother Tom play for England in next Saturday’s World Cup final against South Africa. 

That idea has clearly inspired some other players in the England squad, as winger Anthony Watson has sent a gentle reminder to Wasps on Twitter about what has happened. 

Watson’s older brother Marcus plays for Dai Young’s outfit, and a new hashtag #WatsonToWorldCup is now gaining momentum, with fly-half Lima Sopoaga among those jumping on board. 

This campaign for Sharks flanker Curry received a lot of attention since England overcame the All Blacks last Saturday, and it is now up to another Gallagher Premiership club to see if they are equally as generous. 

Should this attempt to get Marcus to Japan prove to be successful, there is nothing to say that there will not be a call for Ben Youngs’ older brother and former England international Tom, or even for Yorkshire Carnegie fly-half and older brother of George Ford, Joe. Who knows, there may even be one for Saracens’ Manu Vunipola, cousin of Mako and Billy.

With Eddie Jones side tipped as slight favourites going into the contest against the Springboks in Yokohama, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for some of the players - and for their siblings playing in England as well. 

Ben Curry is now set to miss Sale’s trip to Bristol this Friday, while Marcus Watson would miss Wasps’ visit from Bath on Saturday if he too ends up in Japan. 

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