Tom Curry hailed as ‘phenomenal’ ahead of crucial week in his recovery

Adam Kyriacou
Tom Curry in action for Sale Sharks.

Tom Curry in action for Sale Sharks.

England flanker Tom Curry has entered a significant week in his recovery from major hip surgery but is looking in “great shape”, according to his club boss.

Sale Sharks head coach Alex Sanderson gave an update on the fitness of his star back-row as the Premiership enters its penultimate weekend of the regular season.

Curry hasn’t played since the bronze final win over Argentina at the World Cup following surgery to address arthritic change and tears to the labrum and cartilage.

First full week

But Sanderson has revealed that the experienced 25-year-old England international got through his first high-intensity training session with the rest of Sale Sharks’ squad this week and impressively came out top amongst his teammates in a number of measures, a hugely promising sign after months of rehabilitation.

“He got through it well, he was communicating and driving standards really well,” head coach Sanderson said. “We don’t know how he will get through the week.

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“This is his first full week training but we’ll have a better idea, probably on Thursday, in terms of how his body is feeling.

“I’m surprised how well he’s moving. He topped (all the measures). I know it was only one block, but for someone who has been out as long as he has, he’s come back in great shape. His ability to back that up is what we question now.

“He moves so well, he talks so passionately, he’s a phenomenal athlete and an outstanding player. Providing his fitness is alright, he’s not far away.”

Two games left

Sale will take on Leicester Tigers at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday before ending their regular season with a visit to StoneX Stadium to face Saracens on May 18.

Sanderson’s outfit currently sit in sixth position in the Premiership standings, just two points adrift of the top four in what is a dog fight for the play-off places.

It will be interesting to see if flanker Curry is able to play for his club side this season, with England head coach Steve Borthwick set to be an interested observer.

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