Sale boss backs Curry twins for England places

Despite a combined 58 caps, Tom (left) and Ben Curry have never played together for England

Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson has backed Ben and Tom Curry for England recalls after all-action displays from the back-row forwards in the Sharks' 43-10 victory over Newcastle Falcons.

The Curry twins, 26, did not attend the three-day camp held last midweek by England head coach Steve Borthwick in the build up to next month's autumn internationals.

Tom's last start was in last year's World Cup, while Ben has not featured since the 2023 Six Nations.

"When they are on form, there is no better pair to have in your team, particularly in the back five," said Sanderson.

Tom, who has 53 caps, needed surgery last autumn on a debilitating hip injury that caused him to miss this year's Six Nations.

He recovered to make the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand where he was a replacement in all three Tests.

But he returned to the Sale team that comprehensively beat the Falcons for his second Premiership game of the season and was at his marauding best.

Ben missed the World Cup last year through a hamstring injury and although he was named in the Six Nations squad, he did not play a single minute.

"They're a menace, they're everywhere, they're like a splat on the game," said Sanderson.

"Steve Borthwick left them out of camp, so they could prep and play [against Newcastle], which I think was a really smart move. He wanted to see how good they were in form and they were in form.

"I hope Steve has got what he wanted because we certainly have."

England's first game in the autumn internationals is against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on 2 November.

After that follow further matches against Australia, South Africa and Japan.