Curry has experienced both outstanding success and difficult setbacks during his career. He reached a Rugby World Cup final with England in 2019, won the 2020 Six Nations, represented the Lions on tours to South Africa and Australia, and overcame a major hip injury that ruled him out for the entire 2023–24 season.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Tom Curry |
| Date of birth | 15 June 1998 |
| Age | 28 years old |
| Birthplace | Hounslow, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Height | 1.85 m |
| Weight | 110 kg |
| Position | Flanker / Back row |
| Club | Sale Sharks |
| International team | England |
| Education | Bishop Heber High School, Oundle School |
| Twin brother | Ben Curry |
| Father | David Curry |
| Lions tours | 2021, 2025 |
Tom Curry’s Early Life and Family
Tom Curry grew up in a rugby-focused family alongside his twin brother, Ben Curry, who also became an England international and professional Sale Sharks player. Their father, David Curry, played rugby for Rosslyn Park and coached Tom and Ben during their early development.
His family environment played an important role in his development as a young sportsman. Curry began his rugby journey with Crewe & Nantwich RUFC before progressing through the Sale Sharks pathway. His uncle, John Olver, also represented England, giving Curry another important connection to elite rugby.
Education and Rugby Development
Curry attended Bishop Heber High School and later Oundle School. His education was accompanied by an increasingly serious commitment to rugby, with his performances helping him move into higher levels of competition.
He progressed through England’s age-grade system and was part of the England Under-20 team that won the 2017 Six Nations Under-20 Grand Slam. This achievement helped establish him as one of England’s promising young forwards.
Start of Professional Career
Tom Curry began his professional career with Sale Sharks, making his senior debut in October 2016. His rapid development was remarkable because he was still a teenager when he began appearing in major professional competitions.
His performances quickly earned recognition. Curry and his twin brother Ben were jointly named Sale Sharks Young Players of the Season for 2016–17, highlighting how quickly both brothers had progressed within the club system.
Tom Curry’s England Career
Curry made his full England debut against Argentina in 2017, when he was only 18 years old. His arrival on the international stage was followed by a rapid rise in importance within the England squad.
He became particularly prominent during the 2019 Six Nations, starting every match. Later that year, he played an important role as England reached the Rugby World Cup final. His performances earned him a nomination for the 2019 World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award.
Six Nations Success
One of Curry’s major international achievements came in 2020, when England won the Six Nations Championship. He became an increasingly important part of England’s forward pack, combining speed, tackling strength and effective work at the breakdown.
Curry also moved into a leadership role. In 2022, he captained England against Scotland, demonstrating the confidence coaches had placed in his ability to lead the team.
Rugby World Cup Career
Curry featured prominently in two Rugby World Cups.
At the 2019 Rugby World Cup, England reached the final, where they were defeated by South Africa. Curry’s performances during the tournament further established him as one of England’s leading young back-row players.
He also played at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where England finished third. His involvement in two World Cups before turning 26 underlined the remarkable consistency of his international career.
British & Irish Lions Career
Being selected for the British & Irish Lions is one of rugby’s highest honours, and Curry has achieved this twice.
2021 Lions Tour
Curry was selected for the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa. He started all three Tests against the Springboks, demonstrating that he had established himself at the highest level of international rugby.
2025 Lions Tour
Curry was selected again for the 2025 Lions tour of Australia. He started all three Tests against the Wallabies, matching his achievement from the previous tour. The Lions described him as a pivotal player during the successful Australian campaign.
His selection for two Lions tours is a major achievement and an important part of his career legacy.
Injury Challenges and Comeback
Curry’s career has not been without serious challenges. A major hip injury required surgery and ruled him out of the entire 2023–24 season, including the 2024 Six Nations.
The setback interrupted an important period of his career, but Curry returned strongly. In the 2025 Six Nations, he started every match and was named in the Team of the Championship. He also started alongside his twin brother Ben in an England jersey for the first time.
Playing Style and Strengths
Tom Curry is primarily recognised as a flanker and back-row forward. His game is built around high work rate, defensive pressure, tackling and his ability to compete for possession.
His mobility allows him to contribute across the field rather than remaining focused on one particular area. This versatility has helped him become an important player for both Sale Sharks and England.
Tom Curry at Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks has been central to Curry’s professional development. He progressed through the club’s pathway and became one of its most recognisable players.
His long association with Sale has continued alongside his international career. In 2026, he remained part of the Sharks setup and continued to feature in England selection plans.
Latest Career Developments
Curry remained involved with England during 2026. In February, he returned to the England starting lineup against Ireland during the Six Nations.
In June, he was selected in England’s squad for the preparation period ahead of the Nations Championship and started England’s uncapped fixture against France XV.
In July 2026, Curry was selected to start England’s opening Nations Championship match against South Africa in Johannesburg.
By August 2026, he was also named among England’s 25 enhanced Elite Player Squad contract holders for the 2026–27 season, confirming his continued importance to the national setup.
Career Achievements
Tom Curry’s confirmed career achievements include:
- England Under-20 Six Nations Grand Slam — 2017
- England senior debut — 2017
- Rugby World Cup finalist — 2019
- Six Nations winner — 2020
- England captain — 2022
- Rugby World Cup third place — 2023
- British & Irish Lions tour — 2021
- British & Irish Lions tour — 2025
- Started all three Lions Tests in 2021
- Started all three Lions Tests in 2025
- 2025 Six Nations Team of the Championship
- England enhanced Elite Player Squad contract — 2026–27
Tom Curry’s Legacy
Tom Curry has built an impressive rugby career by combining early success with resilience. His journey from Crewe & Nantwich and the Sale Sharks pathway to England and the British & Irish Lions shows how quickly he established himself among elite forwards.
His legacy is also closely connected with his twin brother Ben. Both brothers reached the England team, while Tom went on to become a two-time Lions tourist. His recovery from major injury and return to international rugby adds another significant chapter to his career.
Conclusion
Tom Curry’s biography is a story of rapid development, international achievement and determination. From his early rugby education to his rise at Sale Sharks, England success and two British & Irish Lions tours, he has become one of the most accomplished back-row players of his generation.
His career continues to develop. With England selecting him during the 2026 international season and naming him among its enhanced Elite Player Squad players for 2026–27, Curry remains an important figure in English rugby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tom Curry?
Tom Curry is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a flanker and back-row forward for Sale Sharks and England.
When was Tom Curry born?
Tom Curry was born on 15 June 1998 in England.
How old is Tom Curry?
Tom Curry is 28 years old as of September 2026.
Which club does Tom Curry play for?
He plays for Sale Sharks, the club through which he developed into a professional rugby player.
Has Tom Curry played for the British & Irish Lions?
Yes. Curry has represented the British & Irish Lions on the 2021 and 2025 tours.
How many Rugby World Cups has Tom Curry played in?
Curry has featured at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.
What position does Tom Curry play?
He primarily plays flanker/back row.
Who is Tom Curry’s twin brother?
His twin brother is Ben Curry, who is also a professional rugby player and England international.
