Sale Flanker Curry Doubtful for England Tour After Missing Saracens Clash

Sale Sharks flanker Tom Curry will not feature in their crucial Premiership play-off qualification decider against champions Saracens this Saturday, casting doubt over his prospects of representing England on their upcoming summer tour.

The 25-year-old openside has been sidelined since the 2023 World Cup, having undergone major hip surgery in the aftermath. While Curry was initially expected to miss the domestic season, a rapid recovery had raised hopes of a potential comeback for the mouthwatering Premiership final rematch. However, Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson has confirmed that Curry will not be fit to face Saracens, though he remains optimistic about the player’s chances of featuring in a potential semi-final.

“He’s not far off, but unfortunately he hasn’t made it,” Sanderson explained. “We haven’t done enough rugby exposure with him, for him to feel confident.”

The director went on to describe Curry’s maturity in opting against a premature return, prioritizing his long-term wellbeing over short-term gains.

Sanderson also acknowledged discussions with Curry about the player’s prospects of joining the England squad for their summer tour of Japan and New Zealand. However, the Sharks boss emphasized that the focus remains firmly on Curry’s rehabilitation and potential involvement in the play-offs, with the international considerations left for a later conversation.

Meanwhile, Northampton Saints wing Ollie Sleightholme has been tipped for a maiden England call-up after his outstanding Premiership form. The 24-year-old has scored 14 league tries this season, cementing his status as the division’s leading marksman. Northampton attack coach Sam Vesty hailed Sleightholme as “the best finisher in the league,” urging national team boss Steve Borthwick to consider the youngster for the upcoming internationals.

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