Tom Curry was forced off early against Australia on November 9 after being knocked out (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
England are tweaking Tom Curry’s approach to contact situations in a bid to minimise his chances of sustaining further concussions.
The Sale flanker was knocked out during the clash with Australia’s Rob Valetini on November 9, marking his second serious head injury this season after an earlier incident at a club match in September.
This brings his concussion tally to five over the past two years. Despite his history, Curry has been cleared to join Steve Borthwick’s squad for the upcoming autumn finale against Japan on Sunday, having successfully completed the required return-to-play protocols.
Assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge has emphasised that Curry’s health is paramount and England are working on fine-tuning his technique to make him “safer” in tackles.
“Tom’s 100 per cent fit, healthy and ready to go. There’s not a coach on the planet that isn’t desperately concerned about the welfare of the players they coach,” Strawbridge commented.
Tom Curry is expected to face Japan at the weekend (Image: Getty)
“He’s been through every protocol that exists and we’re making some finer adjustments about how he enters contact – on both sides of the ball – to keep himself safe.
“He’s a very brave player. There are some fundamental aspects to contact. Some of the bravest men are some of the most at risk, so how do we mitigate the risk? How do we keep him finding his shoulder, rather than a head? It’s tiny little things, it’s not a major change in the man’s game.
“There are some little issues that’ll bring his shoulder into the game, which is what we all want, and take his head out of the game, if possible. There’s no major issue at all.”
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso also suffered a concussion in the match against Australia, but unlike his team-mate, his recovery has not been as smooth, ruling him out of the upcoming match against Japan at Twickenham.
England, currently on a disappointing five-match losing streak, are expected to turn things around against Eddie Jones’ team, following home defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso left the field early against Australia because of a head injury (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Despite the mounting pressure, Borthwick’s position as head coach remains secure, having received full support from the Rugby Football Union. However, Strawbridge acknowledges the strain, stating: “We’re feeling a little bit of heat at the moment as a coaching group.
“Our challenge is to remain true to what we believe in as coaches, teachers and behavioural specialists and not be swayed. It’s not always easy.
“Steve’s attitude hasn’t shifted. Our aspirational thoughts remain the same and that is a sign of strong leadership.
“Steve has conducted himself really well. He has remained focused on the task in hand and that is growing a group of players to start challenging on a regular basis. And are challenging on a regular basis.
“You cannot afford to be too externally focused – we have stuff to do here. You can’t take your eye off the ball. If we start feeling the heat too much and we’re letting that alter our behaviours or our true north, then we’re not doing our job.”