Tom Curry, now 27, diagnosed with ‘incurable’ condition aged 25
Rugby NewsFriday, 31 October 2025 at 14:12
— he still struggles to deliver more than half a game of consistent impact.
England and Sale Sharks star Tom Curry was handed a sobering medical reality aged 25 — his chronic hip condition will never fully heal, despite multiple surgeries and cutting-edge stem-cell therapy.
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The 27-year-old flanker, who missed most of the 2023/24 season following major hip reconstruction, has been managing the injury ever since. While Curry returned to the Test stage during England’s summer tour of New Zealand, sources close to Sale now admit the player is “managing pain, not curing it.”
“He’s in a good place mentally and physically, but there’s no getting away from it — the joint will never be perfect,” Sale boss Alex Sanderson told reporters this week. “The stem-cell procedure helps bone growth and eases the pain, but it’s not a fix. It’s about keeping him going.”
Curry’s latest stem-cell treatment, carried out late last year, was designed to stimulate repair around the area where the hip was “stitched back together” after extensive cartilage and labral damage. The operation was described at the time as “career-saving”, but medical specialists warned that the long-term outlook would always be uncertain.
The England coaching setup, led by Steve Borthwick, has reportedly agreed to a strict workload plan limiting Curry to around 20–23 games per season — far below the usual cap for a player of his calibre. The aim is to prolong his playing days through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup without further major surgery.
“We’ve got to be smart,” Sanderson added. “If he plays too much, the shelf life shortens. We all want Tom fit and firing for 2027 — that’s the goal.”
Despite the best efforts of England’s medical team, insiders suggest Curry still experiences stiffness and discomfort after matches, and must carefully manage his recovery time. The hip remains structurally compromised, making a full, permanent recovery impossible.
It’s a cruel twist for one of England’s most dynamic forwards — a player whose relentless physicality has defined his career. Even so, Curry’s determination to keep competing at the highest level has earned widespread admiration across the rugby world.
“He’s just one of those players who refuses to give in,” said one England teammate. “He knows what he’s dealing with, but he’s not the type to stop fighting.”
For now, Curry remains central to England’s plans — but both he and his coaches know the battle with his body is one he will have to manage, not win.
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2025 World XV
The British & Irish Lions may have returned from Australia with a 2–1 series victory, but selection into the current 2025 World XV has been far less generous.
Despite Maro Itoje leading the side to glory as captain, only four Lions make the cut—evidence that while the tour was successful on the scoreboard, it didn’t necessarily produce a team packed with the form players of world rugby.
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The Springboks’ scrum weapon. Ox Nché’s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He’s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa’s physical dominance.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland — Hooker)
Ireland’s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025—scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan’s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.
3. Wilco Louw (South Africa— Tight-head Prop)
It was always destined to be a man in green, and we reckon ‘Quadzilla’ just edged out his teammate Thomas du Toit. Taniela Tupou can be electric on his day, but the key words are on his day
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa — Lock)
A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth’s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.
5. Maro Itoje (England — Lock)
Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless—dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.
6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland — Lock/Back-Row)
A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne’s versatility makes him a coach’s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa — Lock/Back-Row)
Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand — No. 8)
A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.
9. Antoine Dupont (France — Scrum-Half)
The heartbeat of French rugby, Dupont combines lightning quick service with unmatched running threat from No. 9. Even after injury setbacks, he remains the gold standard for modern scrum-halves.
10. Finn Russell (Scotland — Fly-Half)
Russell continues to redefine playmaking at fly-half—pulling the strings with vision, audacious kicks, and pinpoint passing. His composure under pressure has made him one of the most feared playmakers in the game.
11. Damien Penaud (France — Wing)
Penaud is a finisher supreme, with a try-scoring record that rivals anyone in the world game. Blessed with pace, footwork, and instincts, he can turn half-chances into match-winners.
12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy — Inside Centre)
Italy’s rising star has the power to break the gain line and the finesse to release his outside backs. His emergence has been a major factor in Italy’s growing competitiveness on the international stage.
13. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand — Centre)
Tall, skilful, and physically imposing, Barrett offers stability in defence and creativity in attack. His kicking game and vision add an extra dimension to the midfield.
14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa — Wing)
Still one of the most electrifying players in rugby, Kolbe’s footwork and acceleration can dismantle any defensive line. A proven match-winner in the biggest games.
15. Juan Cruz Mallia (Argentina)
Most metres made, third-most defenders beaten, third-most offloads, and just one aerial spill from 29 takes during the Rugby Championship — Juan Cruz Mallia was immense. As vital for Los Pumas as he is for Stade Toulousain, the Argentine fullback remains one of world rugby’s most underrated stars.
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