England’s tour of Australia: Tom Curry withdraws following concussion in first Test | Rugby Union News

England lost 30-28 in the series opener against Australia in which Curry suffered concussion in the first half; watch the second Test between Australia and England in Brisbane on Saturday July 9, live on Sky Sports Action from 10.15am

Tom Curry, who captained England at the Six Nations, will take no further part in their tour of Australia

Tom Curry has been ruled out of England’s last two Tests against Australia because of concussion sustained in Saturday’s opening Test in Perth.

It is a big blow to England’s hopes of levelling the series with Curry set to return home for “continuing assessment and ongoing management”.

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Highlights of the first Test as Australia face England in Perth

Curry started at openside flanker in the 30-28 loss to the Wallabies but was withdrawn at halftime and replaced by Lewis Ludlam after taking a head knock at Perth Stadium.

The Sale flanker was stood down after an HIA and England Rugby said it had been agreed “in the interest of player welfare and recovery, he will take no further part in the tour and return home for continuing assessment and ongoing management”.

Curry has travelled to Brisbane with the squad but will fly back to England later this week.

‘Curry a very significant loss for England’

Analysis by Sky Sports News’ Eleanor Roper in Brisbane…

“Tom is a very influential part of this England squad, he has captained England in the past and is part of their leadership group.

“He is a really influential player.

“At the time he didn’t appear to be concussed, he continued to play with his head up, showing no signs of concussion but he was assessed at half-time, taken off and in his place came Lewis Ludlam.

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Eleanor Roper was joined by David Flatman and Michael Lynagh to reflect on the Test opener between Australia and England

“He did travel to Brisbane yesterday with the team but the England camp are now saying he will travel home to England.

“Under current return to play protocols, Tom wouldn’t be able to train for six days which takes us to later this week so his selection for Saturday would have been in question given he is not able to train and they have decided it is best for him to recover at home.

“Eddie Jones does have other options in the back row. As we mentioned, Lewis Ludlam came on in his place, we also have Sam Underhill and Jack Willis who is here on tour.

“England Rugby have said they have not yet decided whether someone else will be brought out to Australia but they haven’t ruled it out.”

What’s next?

England are in action for the second Test of the three-Test series vs Australia in Brisbane on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Action from 10.15am (10.55am kick off).