Tom Curry injury doubt for England vs Australia as Ben poised to step up

England's rugby union team faces a significant setback ahead of their autumn opener against Australia, as Tom Curry has been ruled out of the match due to injury. The 25-year-old flanker sustained the latest in a series of injuries during Wednesday's full training session, casting doubt over his availability for Sunday's Test.

The injury comes at a critical time for head coach Steve Borthwick, who is preparing for a demanding November campaign that includes matches against New Zealand and South Africa. Curry's absence forces Borthwick to reconsider his back-row setup, with twin brother Ben Curry now leading the race to start at openside flanker.

Ben Curry has not represented England since 2025, making this potential return a major development for the team. His experience and familiarity with the national setup could prove vital as England seeks to build momentum in the autumn series.

The injury adds to the challenges facing Borthwick's squad, which has been dealing with various fitness concerns and player unavailability throughout the season. With Curry sidelined, the coach must now balance between tactical considerations and the need for fresh legs in the back row.

Borthwick is expected to announce his final team selection on Friday afternoon, but early indications suggest Ben Curry is in pole position to fill the void left by his injured brother. The decision could have lasting implications for England's strategy as they prepare for a crucial phase of their season.

England's autumn campaign begins with a high-stakes encounter against Australia, who have shown strong form in recent matches. The team will be looking to secure a positive result to set the tone for what promises to be a challenging series.

The injury also raises questions about Curry's long-term availability and whether he can maintain his place in the squad through the remainder of the season. His rehabilitation process will be closely monitored by medical staff and coaches alike.

With limited time before the match, Borthwick has little room for error in his selection. The decision to start Ben Curry over other potential candidates could influence not only this Test but also England's approach to upcoming fixtures.

The team's preparation will now focus on adapting to the new back-row configuration, with additional emphasis on training sessions designed to maximize the strengths of the available players.

As England gears up for their autumn challenges, the impact of Curry's injury underscores the importance of squad depth and resilience. The team's ability to adapt quickly could be decisive in determining their success in the months ahead.