Ben Curry ‘gutted’ after injury seriously threatens Rugby World Cup involvement

Ben Curry’s hopes of contributing to England’s Rugby World Cup campaign appear to be over after the Sale flanker was ruled out for at least four months by a hamstring injury.

Curry will see a specialist this week, with the Sharks confirming he needs surgery on the tendon damage sustained in Sunday’s victory over Leicester in the Gallagher Premiership semi-finals.

It brings a crushing end to his breakthrough season for England in which he won four of his five caps to raise the prospect of featuring in Steve Borthwick’s plans for France this autumn.

Sale have given a prognosis of four to six months for his rehabilitation, all but ruling him out of the global showpiece.

“Gutted that my season is over like this but looking forward to supporting the lads over the next two weeks,” Curry said on Instagram.

The 24-year-old, twin brother of England star Tom, will miss the Premiership final against Saracens on Saturday week, while Dan du Preez is also out of the Twickenham showdown because of a dislocated shoulder.