England’s Tom Curry Undergoes Stem-Cell Procedure for Chronic Hip Condition, Targeting 2027 Rugby World Cup

England flanker Tom Curry, who earned his 56th cap during the autumn victory against Japan, is set to miss Sale’s Champions Cup match against Racing 92 this Friday. His absence is due to a scheduled stem-cell procedure addressing a chronic hip condition. Curry was sidelined for the majority of the previous season, having undergone surgery deemed crucial for his career. However, he successfully recovered, enabling him to join the summer tour of New Zealand and play in the November international fixtures. According to Sale boss Alex Sanderson, this recent procedure forms part of a long-term management strategy for the 26-year-old player, with the ultimate goal of ensuring his participation in the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Sanderson elaborated on the procedure to BBC Sport, stating, “He’s having a stem cell procedure, which isn’t a cure, it’s like a medicine really.” He further clarified its purpose: “It’s to help the bone growth of his previous operation; injecting stem cells into his hip.” Regarding the recovery timeline, Sanderson added, “It’s a week completely doing nothing while the bone grows, and then he is back to running.” Stem cells possess the capability to aid in the repair of damaged bodily tissue, though this treatment method is considered relatively novel. Sanderson anticipates Curry’s return to availability around the Christmas period. He also mentioned consulting with England head coach Steve Borthwick while devising the player’s management plan for the remainder of the season. “We put a little bit of a plan together, of which the stem-cell procedure is a part of it, then looked at the rest of the season,” Sanderson stated. He added, “Steve Borthwick looked [at the plan] and is 100% behind it. We want to get him to the World Cup without having another operation.” While an England player is subject to a 30-game season limit, Sanderson indicated that, considering Curry’s history of injuries and his physically demanding playing style, he would not aim to push him anywhere close to that maximum. He further elaborated, “He’ll feature in around 23 games, and 16 of those will be for us.” Sanderson concluded, “And the rest internationals. So we have figured all that out so we don’t push him to that 30-game max.” The primary concern is his chronic injury, which he is managing effectively, but increased playing time could shorten his career longevity. Sanderson stated, “We generally go by the principle it’s going to be three games on one off, or two on one off. I don’t think it’s wise [to push his game number to 30].” Curry was in the starting lineup for England’s autumn fixtures against New Zealand and Australia. However, he sustained a concussion during the match against the Wallabies, rendering him unable to play in the subsequent game against world champions South Africa. Despite this, he made his return to start in the win over Japan, a decision regarding his selection that drew considerable scrutiny. Curry’s concussion occurred while attempting to tackle Australia’s back row Rob Valetini. When questioned about his satisfaction with Curry’s selection to play against the Blossoms, Sanderson responded, “Personally for me, no, because I care about him.” He continued, “But only in the same way his brother was [concerned about him], and his parents. If there was a chance, you wouldn’t even take it, with someone’s brain.” However, Sanderson affirmed, “But I have full faith in the doctors and the specialists who said he was good to go. At that point he is England’s player.”