Fans Finally Figure Out How to Tell Ben and Tom Curry Apart in England's Six Nations Opener
01/28/2025 03:45 PM
The 2025 Six Nations is upon us, and England's back-row is making headlines—not least because it features twin brothers Ben and Tom Curry starting side-by-side.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
The Sale Sharks duo, both 26, will pack down alongside number eight Ben Earl, with Ollie Chessum, Chandler Cunningham-South, and Tom Willis providing back-row reinforcement from a six-forward bench. But how do you distinguish between the two Curry brothers? Let's break it down.
Tom Curry: The Early Bloomer
Tom Curry burst onto the scene in 2017, becoming England's youngest starter in over 90 years when he debuted against Argentina as an 18-year-old. Fast forward a few years, and Tom had already played in a Rugby World Cup final and earned a call-up to the British and Irish Lions.
Ben Curry: The Patient One
While Ben was selected ahead of Tom for a Barbarians clash that same year, a back injury delayed his breakthrough. By the time he earned his first cap in 2021 against the United States, Tom was already an established star. Ben, however, has quietly impressed when given opportunities, and now he's ready to shine alongside his twin on the biggest stage.
England coach Steve Borthwick initially planned to field the brothers together in November against New Zealand but ultimately opted to swap them mid-game, delaying the dream moment. Now, in the Six Nations opener, the wait is finally over.
How to Tell Them Apart
Over the years, even hardcore fans have struggled to differentiate between the two. Their childhood trick of styling their hair in opposite directions is no help now—they both rock buzz cuts.
However, Tom has a signature look: he always wears strapping on his left wrist, a habit that's persisted since the 2023 Rugby World Cup and was evident during the recent Autumn Nations Series.
Tom is also 4kg heavier than Ben, though unless you're pitchside with a set of scales, that detail might be harder to spot!
Ben on the Big Moment
For Ben, playing alongside Tom in the same England XV is a milestone. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, he described it as "very special," reflecting on childhood dreams coming to life.
"When you go back home and see the artwork you made in primary school—me in an England shirt—it feels like everything has led to this moment," he said.
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Twin Trailblazers
While the Curry twins are the first brothers to play together for England's men's side, they're following in the footsteps of Emma and Jane Mitchell, who were part of England's 1994 Women's Rugby World Cup-winning team. More recently, Poppy and Bryony Cleall have also represented the Red Roses as twin sisters.
As for the Currys, fans will be keeping an eye on those wrist strappings—and maybe weighing them post-match!
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Sir Ian McGeechan didn't hesitate when naming the best three rugby players in history
A legendary player and coach, McGeechan has spent decades at the heart of the sport, guiding teams and observing the finest talents rugby has to offer.
Without hesitation, McGeechan named his top three rugby players of all time, each of whom left an indelible mark on the game with their extraordinary skill, leadership, and impact on the global stage.
#3. Jonah Lomu
Full Name: Jonah Tali Lomu
Date of Birth: May 12, 1975
Died: November 18, 2015
Nationality: New Zealand
Position: Wing
Overview:
Jonah Lomu was a rugby union sensation and one of the sport’s first global superstars. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing over 120 kg (260 lbs), Lomu combined size, speed, and agility in a way that had never been seen before on a rugby field. He revolutionized the role of a winger, using his power and blistering pace to dominate opponents, and became a household name during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Career Highlights:
Lomu burst onto the international stage as a 19-year-old during the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, where his performance made him an overnight sensation. Most notably, he scored four tries in a semi-final against England, including one unforgettable try where he ran through and over England’s defenders. Although New Zealand did not win the tournament, Lomu’s impact was undeniable.
He continued to be a key figure for the All Blacks until 2002, earning 63 caps and scoring 37 tries. Lomu’s career was cut short due to a rare kidney condition, nephrotic syndrome, which eventually forced his retirement and led to a kidney transplant in 2004.
Legacy:
Despite his illness limiting his playing career, Lomu's influence on rugby was immense. He brought the sport to a global audience and remains one of rugby's most iconic figures. His untimely death in 2015 at age 40 was met with widespread mourning, highlighting the lasting impression he made on the sport and its fans.
McGeechan wrote: “Illness and injury ultimately slowed him down. But his performances at the 1995 World Cup, just as the game was turning professional, will never be forgotten. The game needed a superstar, and it got one in Lomu. He was brilliant for rugby.”
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