Maro Itoje details how the England squad have rallied around Tom Curry this week

It’s been a difficult week for Tom Curry. First of all, he had to deal with the alleged abuse inflicted upon him by Mbongeni Mbonambi during the World Cup semi-final last weekend, then he had to deal with the shock of his side eventually losing the match in the last couple of minutes.

Since then, instead of mourning the semi-final loss, he has had to deal with some truly horrendous threats on social media just a week after Springbok player Cobus Reinach sadly received abhorrent abuse of his own.

Fortunately for both Reinach and Curry, the community of rugby players and support staff surrounding them have been on hand to keep their heads level and make them feel safer.

In a recent press conference, Maro Itoje has detailed just how the lads have been supporting Curry at this difficult time.

“Tom’s been tremendous. He’s been incredibly courageous to do what he’s done and in the manner he’s done it. As Steve said, in the right way through proper channels conducted himself in a manner that he should be proud of.

“His family and definitely as teammates we’re proud of him of and what he’s done, because to do that isn’t easy. To make to make a statement like that isn’t easy, to call out stuff like that isn’t easy, and as he’s seen this week when you do something courageous like that you put yourself out there.

“He’s been absolutely fantastic in that regard and in terms of how we’ve tried to support him just to be there for him just to try and be there for him in any way he needs. If he needs to talk about anything we’re always there for him, but he’s a strong man, he has a strong personality, strong will and he’s been great throughout the week.

“Tom is the innocent party in this in this respect, he’s done nothing wrong he’s the victim of the situation, so for him to have this abuse is disgraceful.”

Also speaking at the conference, England flanker Sam Underhill expressed his pride for his backrow partner.

“This is his 50th cap this week which is an incredible example of a professional player and a test player, so for us as players, we’re not going to let that overshadow a massive occasion for him, his family, and for us.”

“Tom has been incredibly courageous to do what he has done… we’re proud of him… to call out stuff like that isn’t easy.”

– Maro Itoje on how the England squad rallied around Tom Curry this week. #ARGvENG #RWC2023 #EnglandRugby pic.twitter.com/3nj3HDEQ8w

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 27, 2023