Ben Curry steps up for England after Sale's Premiership heartbreak

In England, Ben Curry, the captain of Sale, linked up with the national team led by head coach Steve Borthwick just three days following a narrow defeat in the Premiership semi-final against Leicester. The match ended with a heartbreaking score of 21-16, which left Sale without a place in the finals. Although expressing disappointment at the semi-final loss, Curry quickly pivoted to focus on his responsibilities with the England squad. His participation in a 37-man training camp, which includes 16 uncapped players, is aimed at preparing for upcoming tests against Argentina and the United States. Despite Sale's setback, Curry views this new opportunity as a positive shift, emphasizing the constant nature of professional sports where fresh challenges follow closely on disappointments. Curry has had a promising stint during the recent Guinness Six Nations, achieving four wins out of five and finishing second to champions France, which adds to the optimism surrounding his role with the England setup. The absence of several star players from the Premiership finalists, as well as his brother Tom who is on the Lions’ summer tour in Australia, has allowed other players, like Curry and Henry Arundell, to step into the national team spotlight. Curry took the moment to express his focus and determination on representing England, indicating that while he may have hoped for a late call-up to the Lions, his primary aim is to contribute to the England squad. His mindset reflects the resilience required in professional rugby, where players continuously adapt and aim for improvement amidst challenges. Meanwhile, Henry Arundell’s return to the England setup after his time with Racing 92 illustrates the shifting dynamics within the squad, particularly as certain players regain international eligibility after playing abroad and promises are made about the team's depth and future potential. As the England camp prepares ahead of significant fixtures, the team is dealing with adjustments in personnel, especially with players out due to injury or commitments elsewhere. Curry's leadership and experience will be crucial in steering the team forward, as the training camp serves as a building block for upcoming matches. With the next tests on the horizon, the aim is to build cohesion and performance in the face of adversity, showcasing the depth of talent that England possesses.