Curry 'bully' accusation 'laughable' – Sanderson

England flanker Tom Curry during the Autumn international win over Argentina
Tom Curry came off the bench in all four of England’s Autumn international wins over Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina [Getty Images]

Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi’s accusation that England flanker Tom Curry is a “bully” is “laughable”, according to Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson.

Contepomi made the claim following England’s 27-23 victory over the Pumas at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, and also accused the forward of swearing and pushing him in the tunnel.

Curry, 27, is available to play for Sale in Friday’s game against Exeter in the Prem, with Sanderson saying he was unaware of any disciplinary process that would rule the back-rower out of the match.

When asked about the incident involving Curry and Contepomi, Sanderson initially said: “I’m not giving it any air time, whatsoever.”

Sanderson was later asked if he had a reaction to the “bully” accusation and replied “only a laughable one”, before adding that “it is ridiculous in the context of the man that he is”.

Earlier this week, Curry was selected in the World Rugby XV Dream Team of 2025 and Sanderson confirmed that the squad celebrated the achievement with the forward.

“On the back of a career threatening injury and a broken wrist, to get to those heights, you know that’s no mean feat,” said Sanderson.

“It shows the kind of character that he is. A true competitor.”

Sanderson said that the players returning to the club following England duty had come back “in good fettle” were and “motivated” after an Autumn clean-sweep, with wins against Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina.

And he confirmed that England and Sharks wing Tom Roebuck will be out for seven to eight weeks after suffering a broken toe in the 33-19 win over the All Blacks.

Roebuck, 24, will not require surgery but will need to wear a protective boot.

Meanwhile, England flanker Ben Curry is back in training after missing the Autumn internationals with a hamstring problem and should be available for Sale when they host Glasgow in the Champions Cup next week.

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