Ben Curry

Flanker Ben Curry came through the Sharks academy and made his first team debut at the age of 18 in November 2016 against Wasps. Born in Cheshire, he is the nephew of former England hooker John Olver.

Ben and twin brother Tom’s performances in their first season saw them named as joint recipients of the Sharks’ Young Player of the Season award. 

Ben was named in the England U20 squad for the 2016/17 season, having previously represented the U18s, and ended the season as part of the England U20 squad that won the Grand Slam in the U20 Six Nations. He was named as captain of the U20s in May 2018.  

Ben received his first England call-up in 2017, but injury forced him out of the summer tour to Argentina. He had to wait four years until his next call-up and finally made his international debut in July 2021 as a replacement against the USA at Twickenham. 

In November 2020 Ben suffered a serious shoulder injury which ruled him out of action for five months. He returned in May 2021 in time to play a key role in Sharks’ bid for Premiership glory. 

Speaking to The Telegraph, Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said of the brothers: “They’re two of the best defensive players in the country, if not the world. Who knows the mind of Eddie Jones but I think they’re good, I really do.”