A Single Mistake Changed Tom Curry's Sporting Destiny
In a surprising turn of events, the individual who accidentally scored an own goal during Man City trial has brought his football career to a close. However, this setback has given way to a new opportunity as he's now the starting player for the Lions.
From rugby stardom to a potential football career with Manchester City, the Curry twins' journey took a surprising detour thanks to an unfortunate football blunder.
Back in the day, Tom Curry, along with his twin brother Ben, got a shot at the Premier League giants Manchester City after catching the eye of scouts following a school fixture[1]. However, Tom's luck went south during the trial, which eventually put an end to both their football dreams.
As it stands, Tom is set to start for the British & Irish Lions against Argentina in Dublin on Friday, all live on talkSPORT[2]. With a remarkable second Lions tour just beginning - having started all three tests against South Africa in 2021 - Curry is back in the game, having recovered from a minor hamstring injury[2].
Despite requiring surgery on a wrist ligament issue later on, Tom has postponed the procedure for now to represent the Lions in their tour[2]. Had it not been for that one ill-timed header, he might have been heading to the Club World Cup in the USA instead[2].
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With Ben initiating the Manchester City trial in 2020, the pair ended up at the football club thanks to his performance at center-back[1]. Tom nearly wrecked their chances, though, when he tripped over on the stairs and had to be rushed to the hospital during the trial[1]. Despite scouts being impressed by Ben's performance, Tom's own goal in the subsequent match sealed their fate as football players[1].
Following their failed attempt at football, the brothers returned to boyhood club Sale and opted for rugby instead[3]. Tom made his professional rugby debut at 18, setting a new record as the youngest Sharks player in the European Champions Cup[3]. The same goes for Ben, who managed 10 appearances for the Red Roses[3].
This summer, it's Tom in the spotlight as he embarks on his second consecutive Lions tour[2]. With a string of successful rugby World Cups to his name, including starting the 2019 final defeat to South Africa, Curry is ready to conquer new frontiers[2]. Farrell's side will face the Pumas in Dublin on Friday night before heading down under for five warm-up matches, all broadcast exclusively live on talkSPORT[4].
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As a youngster, Tom Curry had a trial with Manchester City, but an unfortunate own goal during the trial effectively ended his prospects of becoming a professional football player[1]. This event may have redirected his focus to rugby, leading to his current stardom on the rugby pitch.
His brother Ben's performance during the initial scouting trial paved the way for their invitation to Manchester City[1]. Despite their promising start, Tom's misplaced header sealed their fate as football players[1].
After opting for rugby instead, Tom made his professional debut with the Sharks in the European Champions Cup at 18, while Ben appeared for the Red Roses 10 times[3].
In recent days, Tom Curry is expected to participate in the British & Irish Lions' second tour, which will kickstart on Friday with a match against Argentina in Dublin, live on talkSPORT[2]. He will be vying for a spot on the Lions' team for the upcoming series against Australia.
Sources:[1] - https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tom-curry-brother-twin-ben-9796781[2] - https://www.talksport.com/rugbys-union/851620/tom-curry-fit-british-irish-lions-hamstring-injury-tour-argentina/[3] - https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/rugby-league-world/tom-curry-brother-ben-9796781[4] - https://www.talksport.com/rugbys-union/851609/rugby-lions-vs-argentina-live-start-permiership-rugby-free-stream-channel-to-watch-8236365
- Tom Curry's football career with Manchester City came to an end due to an unfortunate own goal during a trial session.
- Initially impressed by both Tom and his twin brother Ben, scouts were persuaded to invite them to Manchester City due to Ben's stellar performance.
- Despite Tom's misfortune, the brothers opted for rugby after their attempt at football, with Tom making his professional rugby debut at 18 and setting a new record as the youngest Sharks player in the European Champions Cup.
- Recently, Tom Curry is set to join the British & Irish Lions for their second consecutive tour, vying for a spot in the series against Australia.
