Blow for Sale as Tom Curry Faces Season-Ending Surgery

Sale Sharks have dealt a significant blow to their aspirations as they confirm that England back row Tom Curry will undergo surgery to address a hip problem, ruling him out for the remainder of the season, including the entire 2024 Guinness Six Nations.

The news was delivered by Sale director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, who disclosed that Curry, 25, sought a specialist opinion in London after experiencing issues upon his return from the Rugby World Cup in France.

Sanderson explained, “Tom needs a clear out of his hip that will put him out for the rest of this season. This is the only option.” The procedure aims to address wear and tear issues around Curry’s socket, requiring the shaving off and cleaning up of a small bone. Despite the setback, Sanderson emphasized that the surgery is the best short-term solution to ensure Curry’s future robustness and progression in the game.

Curry’s absence from the upcoming season marks another setback in a challenging year for the player, who missed the entire 2023 Six Nations and Summer Nations series due to various injuries. Furthermore, he faced suspension after a red-carded tackle in the opening match of the World Cup.

Reflecting on Curry’s reaction to the news, Sanderson noted, “He was extremely positive. I’m sure there will be ebbs and flows over the next four or five months, and I hope to be part of that journey with him as we get him back to where he needs to be.”

Despite Curry’s influential role on and off the field, Sanderson expressed confidence in the team’s depth. He acknowledged Curry’s desire to contribute in different ways during his absence and mentioned the possibility of exploring the market for short-term cover.

Sanderson stated, “We do still have a couple of injuries in JL (du Preez) and Tom Ellis, so if we are looking at someone at the moment, we are thinking it would be for the short term. We won’t be able to get a replacement for Tom because there is no one like him, but someone who can help us rotate and manage the load over the next six weeks.” The club is assessing options and considering the need for cover to ensure a strong title challenge in the ongoing season.