Sale spring Ben Curry to watch twin Tom in World Cup final

Sale spring Ben Curry to watch twin Tom in World Cup final
Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup - England Training - Fuchu Asahi Football Park, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan - October 29, 2019 England's Ben Spencer talks defence coach John Mitchell during training REUTERS/Matthew Childs Copyright MATTHEW CHILDS(Reuters)
Copyright MATTHEW CHILDS(Reuters)
By Reuters
Share this articleComments
Share this articleClose Button

By Mitch Phillips

TOKYO (Reuters) - Sale flanker Ben Curry will be in Yokohama to watch twin brother Tom play for England in Saturday's Rugby World Cup final after his Premiership club agreed to release him for the weekend.

While Tom packs down against South Africa in England's first final since 2007 Ben was preparing to play Bristol in an early-season Premiership match the day before.

"What would I remember when I'm 60, one game against Bristol or my twin playing in a World Cup final - and possibly winning it - with me in Japan?" Ben told the BBC.

"When you put it in those terms I thought I had to at least ask. Then I had a conversation with my parents and thought it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is bigger than rugby.

"I felt I would regret not going more than I would regret the guilt of going so I thought I had to ask - I was so nervous, and I explained the situation."

Ben was emboldened by a #GetBenToJapan social media campaign and Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond said "go for it" and agreed to give him a few days off.

Their parents, sister and several friends are already in Japan.

While Tom, who also plays at Sale, has quickly developed into one of England's key forwards, Ben has yet to make a senior international appearance, though he has been in a squad previously and played for England's Under-20s.

(Reporting by Mitch Phillips, Editing by Editing by Peter Rutherford)

Share this articleComments

You might also like

Africa Cup of Nations 2023: Who will win the trophy?

African Football League: Will it revolutionise football on the continent?

Fans mingle, tension mounts ahead of World Cup final