Tom Curry has decided to delay wrist surgery until after the British and Irish Lions tour, choosing to play through the pain for the upcoming mission in Australia.
Despite a troubling wrist injury that has lingered for weeks, the 26-year-old England flanker remains committed to the Lions, even if it means managing the discomfort for now.
Sale’s Positive Injury Update
On Monday, Sale confirmed that Curry’s hamstring injury, sustained in last Friday’s match against Leicester, is relatively minor and won’t interfere with his participation in the crucial stages of the Premiership season or the Lions tour.
Following his early substitution against Leicester, there was immediate concern about Curry’s fitness.
However, a scan reassured Sale’s director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, who revealed that the injury was a “1B strain,” the least severe form of hamstring injury.
This news means Curry will only miss this weekend’s match and remain available for the rest of the season.
The Wrist Injury Dilemma
While Curry’s hamstring injury seems to be under control, his wrist issue is more serious.
Sanderson acknowledged that surgery will be necessary after the Lions tour, but for now, Curry is toughing it out.
“It is a ligament injury and he will have an operation after the tour,” Sanderson explained.
Despite the injury, Curry has managed to play through the pain, with the specialist confident in his ability to handle the discomfort.
Sanderson emphasized that Curry’s superhuman resilience has allowed him to continue playing at the highest level, even under these challenging circumstances.
If Curry had opted for surgery now, he would have missed Sale’s remaining games and the first two Lions fixtures. Instead, he is pushing through, determined to remain competitive.
Support for George Ford’s Lions Prospects
Meanwhile, Sale’s director of rugby also spoke highly of George Ford, the club’s experienced fly-half.
With his exceptional form since the Six Nations, Sanderson suggested Ford might deserve a late call-up to the Lions squad.
Ford, at 32, has been in remarkable form and has shown incredible leadership qualities that could be crucial on a demanding tour.
Sanderson believes that Ford’s ability to galvanize his team, particularly away from home, makes him a strong candidate for the Lions, even above others in his position.
Danny Care’s Retirement Announcement
In other news, former England scrum-half Danny Care has confirmed he will retire at the end of this season.
The 38-year-old Harlequins legend has enjoyed an illustrious career, making 394 appearances for the London club over nearly 19 years.
Care, a decorated Test centurion, will step away from professional rugby after a long and successful career, having first joined Harlequins from Leeds in 2006.
The rugby community will undoubtedly miss his contribution to the game, but his legacy at Harlequins and in England rugby will endure.