Tom Curry is an injury doubt for England’s Nations Championship match against Australia with his twin brother Ben the leading contender to start at openside flanker.
Telegraph Sport understands that Tom withdrew from training at Pennyhill Park on Wednesday with a knock, throwing head coach Steve Borthwick’s plans into disarray.
A late call will be made on the back-row permutations on Thursday evening, but at present Ben Curry is understood to be favoured over Northampton’s Henry Pollock.
Ben Curry last played for England against the USA in July 2025 after missing most of last season following two operations for a hamstring injury.
However, he remains highly regarded within the England set-up, especially for his jackalling ability that will be crucial in the breakdown battle against Australia. He would line up in a back row with Leicester’s Ollie Chessum and Saracens’ Ben Earl.
England’s preparations are further complicated by the fitness of fly-half Fin Smith, who suffered a calf injury against Leicester Tigers two weeks ago. Telegraph Sport understands the Northampton playmaker is pencilled in to start against the Wallabies on Sunday having trained fully on Wednesday. However, he will need to come through a final training session on Friday before Borthwick names his team to face the Australians on Friday lunchtime.
That could affect the permutations on the bench and whether the head coach opts for a traditional five-three split or goes with six forwards, which could open the door for Northampton’s Tom Pearson or Exeter’s Greg Fisilau to come into the equation.
Harlequins playmaker Marcus Smith, who has not started a Test at No 10 since the opening game of the 2025 Six Nations, or Sale Sharks’ George Ford, would be the alternative options should Northampton’s Smith fail to come through the training session.