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Tom Curry wants action over technique that sidelined twin Ben
By PA
Tom Curry believes rugby should act to prevent the type of injury that has ended the World Cup aspirations of his twin brother Ben.
Ben has been ruled out of Sale’s first Gallagher Premiership final since 2006 after sustaining a serious hamstring injury in Sunday’s semi-final victory over Leicester.
The 24-year-old needs surgery that entails four to six months of recovery, all but ruling him out of the World Cup with England’s opener taking place against Argentina on September 9.
It is a savage blow given his breakthrough international season produced four appearances in the Six Nations.
He was contesting the ball on the ground when he was twisted away by Leicester in a manoeuvre known as a ‘crocodile roll’, a controversial breakdown technique which has the capacity to cause significant injuries.
England flanker Jack Willis was sidelined for a year after being rolled out of a ruck against Italy in the 2021 Six Nations and there have been calls for this occupational hazard for back rows to be outlawed.
“If there was something to prevent that (crocodile roll), it would be nice. I think we’ve got to that point now,” Tom said.
“This doesn’t have to be a big thing. It’s just a conversation. But we’re seeing injuries at the breakdown from that and you’ve got to start listening to what’s happening.
“For me, ultimately we’re out there to play the game and if there’s something that’s going to make it safer for people going for the ball then brilliant. But for me rugby is brilliant the way it is and I’ll leave it at that.”
Ben’s rehabilitation has already begun and Tom believes the absence of one of Sale’s most effective performers will drive the Sharks on against Saracens at Twickenham on Saturday week.
“Ben’s a bit less sore now. Because of the type of person he is, he hasn’t really left the training ground. He’s been in a hyperbaric chamber for about five hours for treatment,” Tom said.
“It’s tough because if there’s someone who deserves to play in a final I think it’s him. It’s going to give us an edge. It has to.
“I’m sure he’ll return as the fittest, best person to have back from a hamstring that’s ever happened.”
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Latest Comments
I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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