Lions Blow: Star Suffers Concerning Injury Just 24 Hours After Squad Announcement

Saturday, 10 May 2025 at 08:02

byRugby Rucker

Leicester Tigers edged one step closer to securing a home Premiership semi-final after a breathless 44-34 win over Sale Sharks at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia

Flying winger Ollie Hassell-Collins and powerhouse back-rower Emeka Ilione both crossed for braces in a high-octane contest, as the Tigers bagged six tries in total to tighten their grip on the top four.

Pollard’s golden boot proves decisive

Despite scoring five tries of their own, Sale were left empty-handed — undone by the laser-sharp goal-kicking of Handre Pollard, whose faultless display from the tee was ultimately the difference.

The Sharks also suffered a cruel blow with the injury to newly named British & Irish Lion Tom Curry, who limped off in the first half after trying to run off a hamstring niggle.

Sanderson: "We’ve made it harder for ourselves"

Speaking after the game, Sale Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson admitted the result was a tough one to take:

“We missed a couple of decent chances early in the second half and we let them back in it. Big moments turned on small issues, and our penalty count was probably more than in any recent games — and in the end, that cost us.”

On Sale’s fading semi-final hopes, he added:

“I think the home semi-final is now gone. We’ve made it harder for ourselves — but there are still three games to go, and we’ll keep fighting.”

Injury update on Tom Curry

The flanker’s premature exit raised alarm bells for both Sale and Lions fans alike, with Sanderson offering a cautious update:

“It was a hamstring problem that will need assessing. Tom’s a tough lad and tried to run it off for 10 minutes, but we took him off as a precaution. We’ve got a tough run-in and we’ll need to rotate the squad.”

Rugby on TNT Sports

@rugbyontnt

·Follow

This is not a welcome sight 😬 British & Irish Lions call-up Tom Curry has left the pitch early tonight. Hopefully the decision is only a precautionary move 🤞 #GallagherPrem | #LEIvSAL

Watch on X

7:25 PM · May 9, 2025

103

Read 7 replies

The Unpicked XV: 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia

1. Nicky Smith (Wales)

An experienced loosehead with over 50 caps for Wales, Smith remains one of the most consistent scrummagers in the game.

2. Jamie George (England)

The veteran hooker and 2021 Lions tourist missed out this time despite being one of England's most reliable performers and a respected leader.

3. Kyle Sinckler (England)

Known for his explosive ball-carrying and fiery passion, Sinckler’s form and location overseas weren’t enough to secure a third Lions tour.

4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)

A lineout expert and tackling machine, Gray has struggled with injuries recently, ruling him out of contention for Australia.

5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)

One of Scotland’s most experienced locks, Gilchrist’s leadership and work rate have been invaluable, but he misses out once more.

6. Courtney Lawes (England)

A Lions stalwart and former England captain, Lawes confirmed his international retirement earlier this year, ending his Lions journey.

7. Jack Willis (England)

A breakdown menace with a relentless engine, Willis has impressed abroad but may have missed out due to playing outside the UK.

8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)

One of the finest No.8s of his generation, Faletau has been sidelined through injury, robbing him of a potential fourth Lions tour.

9. Ben White (Scotland)

Scotland's first-choice scrum-half has been a steady performer internationally, but couldn't edge out the fierce competition for the Lions.

10. Owen Farrell (England)

The former Lions captain and England centurion ruled himself out of international duty in late 2024, prioritising family and mental wellbeing.

11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)

A breakout star of the 2024 Six Nations, the young wing lit up the tournament but narrowly missed selection on this occasion.

12. Robbie Henshaw / Manu Tuilagi (Ireland/England)

Both powerhouse centres boast extensive Lions pedigree. Henshaw’s injury woes and Tuilagi’s patchy form ultimately saw them miss out.

13. Henry Slade (England)

One of the most elegant and versatile backs in the northern hemisphere, Slade is again overlooked despite consistent form.

14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)

The dynamic utility back has added polish to his raw talent but couldn’t squeeze into the highly competitive Lions back three.

15. George Furbank (England)

A confident and elusive fullback, Furbank’s excellent form under Steve Borthwick wasn’t quite enough to force a late inclusion.