**Ben Curry Defends Twin Tom After Controversial Lions Squad Selection Sparks Welsh Discontent**
In the wake of a heated debate over the British and Irish Lions’ latest line-up, Sale Sharks skipper Ben Curry has publicly defended his twin brother Tom Curry following a flurry of criticism from rugby fans, particularly regarding the omission of Welsh flanker Jac Morgan. The decision by head coach Andy Farrell to select Tom Curry as openside flanker for the first Lions Test against Australia has provoked strong reactions online and left many questioning the inclusiveness of the squad, as no Welsh players will feature in the Test side for the first time in over a century.
The row erupted when it emerged that Jac Morgan, the only Welshman on this tour, had not been chosen for Farrell’s matchday 23. This move has not only disappointed Welsh supporters but also ignited a broader conversation about selection policies and the role of national identity within the Lions. Farrell himself described the choice between Curry and Morgan as ‘one of the closest calls’ he’s had to make, pointing out the intense competition for places and the careful balancing act required when assembling a Test side intended to unite four nations under one banner.
Ben Curry, currently away on duty with England in Washington, expressed dismay at the scale and tone of the criticism directed towards his brother. He addressed the issue head-on, suggesting that much of the dissent seen online undermines the spirit of Lions support. “There’s been a lot of outside criticism which I’m really disappointed about,” Ben commented, referencing the barrage his brother has faced on social media. He went further, questioning the loyalty of some supposed Lions fans: “Are you Lions supporters or not? That’s what gets me.”
For many back in Wales and further afield, Morgan’s omission was hard to digest. The Welsh flanker has impressed throughout the Lions tour—demonstrating commitment and consistency, even captaining Wales earlier this year. There was a common belief among pundits and supporters that he had done enough to warrant a starting berth, and his absence is felt all the more because it ends an unbroken run of Welsh involvement in Lions Tests stretching back to the 19th century.
However, Ben Curry was unwavering in his endorsement of his brother’s qualities. He painted Tom as an indispensable “glue” player—someone whose selflessness and presence in critical moments are valued by teammates and coaches alike, even if that impact sometimes goes unnoticed by outsiders. “He’s incredibly selfless, a big-game player. You don’t get that often,” Ben explained. “If I was in that side I wouldn’t want to play with anyone else.” His comments highlight the often hidden dynamics of team building, where cohesion and reliability sometimes trump more obvious star power.
Tom Curry’s credentials, it must be said, are difficult to challenge. At just 26, his CV includes three consecutive Lions Test appearances against South Africa in 2021, a World Cup final, a spell as England captain, and a shortlisting for the World Rugby Player of the Year award. It’s this pedigree that Farrell alluded to when justifying his selection, citing Curry’s ability to deliver under pressure at the very highest level.
Recent events raise wider questions about the pressures faced by elite athletes—not only to perform but to withstand the scrutiny of fans and pundits alike. Ben Curry touched on this aspect as well, applauding the professionalism with which Tom has dealt with the fallout: “The way he’s handled it and the way he’s played has been unbelievably professional.”
The hope from the England camp is that this public scrutiny may actually fuel an even more determined performance from the openside flanker. Ben concluded with a note of sibling pride mixed with anticipation: “He’s 100 per cent going to rise to the occasion.”
In a sport renowned for its tribal loyalties and fierce rivalries, the controversy around this selection serves as a reminder of the delicate task facing coaches of the combined Lions side. Balancing form, experience, and teamwork across four nations is never straightforward. As the Test series begins in Brisbane, all attention will turn to performances on the pitch—where criticism and speculation will finally give way to action.