Sharks fan, the ‘Curry Bros’ have some brilliant news to bring you as Ben and Tom have officially signed new contracts with the club, with both England internationals penning lucrative new deals.
That’s right, brothers Tom and Ben Curry have announced they will be staying with Sale Sharks for the foreseeable future, each agreeing to brand new extensions with the Greater Manchester side.
As two of the most gifted players currently playing not just at Salford Community Stadium but in the country full stop, the 26-year-old twins are arguably Sale‘s biggest assets, and they simply couldn’t afford to lose them.
Thankfully, following a joyously received announcement video on Wednesday, 30 April, they don’t have to worry about that until at least 2027.
After making their debuts for the senior team almost a decade ago when they were just 18, the pair have gone on to become rugby union stars and stalwarts in the back row.
Current team captain Ben Curry has now played 184 games for the Sharks, and brother Tom has 60 appearances for England, with both having notched numerous caps and personal achievements from a young age.
Their debut 2016 season saw the dynamic duo pick up joint ‘Young Player of the Season’ in a historic moment for the Gallagher Premiership, and they’ve only gone from strength to strength since.
With that being said, tying them down for another two years minimum is a big coup for the club.
Speaking on his new contract, Ben said: “This is my childhood club. I can remember being there to watch the final game at Edgeley Park and now to be club captain means everything.
“I’m enjoying where I’m at right now and I think there are opportunities to win trophies in the coming years. It’s really cool to see where the club is now compared to when we first joined, and I want to keep building on that…
“I fully believe in Alex and what [he], Simon, Michelle and Ged are building and I want to be a part of it.”
𝗜𝗧'𝗦 𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗬 𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗚
We are delighted to announce Tom and Ben will be staying up North 🔥
As for brother Tom, he went on to say: “I grew up watching and loving Sale Sharks and to me, this is the pinnacle and I don’t want to leave.
“We’ve said for so long that this club has potential and we’re close, but I don’t feel that’s right any more. We’re there and I really believe that whether it’s this season or next, this team will win the big trophies. That’s what excites me day to day.
“There are so many good young players coming through at the moment and it makes me really proud to be able to play a part. We’ve added some brilliant international players and it’s made it a really special place to be.”
In terms of local talent, the Cheshire-born flankers have become firm Northern favourites and will age still on their side, both Sale and England can look to continue building squads with them in mind for years to come.
As for boss Alex Sanderson, he added: “I’m so happy because we were desperate to keep both Ben and Tom. They’re so good, so special, so important to the team and we’re blessed to have them.
“They’re almost superhuman and I marvel at some of the things they do. They lead by example, they put the team first all the time, they play through pain, through fatigue and they challenge me and the environment every day.
“They epitomise everything that I want this team to be about and while they’re much better than I ever was, their skills on and off the field are everything that I value.” Sale haven’t wasted time when it comes to business before next season, but securing contracts for both Ben and Tom Curry might be their best.
Noting that the two actually haven’t played as much rugby together as anyone would have liked, for England’s sake, here’s hoping we get to see plenty more of them sharing the pitch moving forward.
Manchester United are reportedly set to snap up Jess Park from rivals Man City
Danny Jones
Summer signing drama might be over for the men, but not for Manchester as a whole, as Man United are reportedly set to snap up Jess Park from close rivals Man City.
Being two of the clubs not only with one of the fiercest rivalries but that have been among the closest to pushing serial Women’s Super League winners Chelsea to the title in recent years, it seems surprising that there’d be a willingness for the two increasingly competitive teams to negotiate over talent.
Nevertheless, there seems to be more and more concrete talk of midfielder Jess Park moving from the blue half of Manchester to the red, as Man United have grown increasingly keen on the 23-year-old.
A fan favourite at the Joie, Park has been with MCWFC for eight years, making her debut for the club at the age of just 16, but did spend 2022/23 on loan at Everton. With that in mind, her next spell away from Man City could very well be a permanent one.
With a debut goal on her Lionesses debut and strikes like the screamer against Palace in the locker, supporters won’t want to see her go.
A creative outlet for both Man City and England, Park has scored 20 times and registered 17 assists, only increasing her goal contributions each season.
It is this, as well as her overall ability in the middle of the park, that has seen Director of Women’s Football at Manchester United, Matt Johnson, and INEOS decide to pursue the neighbouring player.
As you can see, not only are there plenty of City fans praying that the young international doesn’t depart, but not everyone is entirely convinced by the move over at United, either – especially if a swap deal were to somehow materialise.
Loding Clinton would be so bad. She was growing within the shirt towards the back end of last season, she can easily become a key player here
But when there's no ambition from the top, the coach cannot manage flies let alone people. Then losing a star is inevitable sadly
Online broadcaster and women’s football commentator, Mina Ibrahim, went on to add: “If Man City and Man United do a swap for Jess Park and Grace Clinton, who wins the deal?
“Hasegawa and Clinton midfield is a guarantee. I don’t imagine Park being a starter under the [manager] despite the fact [that] she should be. Why does this feel like a panicked, Deadline Day move?”
What about you, Reds and Blues – how do you feel about Jess Park seemingly leaving Man City for Man United, and what do you make of Grace Clinton possibly going the other way?
Nike and go-to online running shoe suppliers confirmed as new sponsors for Altrincham 10k
Danny Jones
The annual Altrincham 10k just got a whole lot bigger and better ahead of this year’s run, as the annual race has just notched Nike as one of their new lead sponsors – and that’s not all.
Alty’s annual race is also being backed by SportsShoes.com, a.k.a. the go-to trainers supplier for so many runners, who will be presenting the 2025 edition in partnership with RunThroughUK.
Now part of RunThrough North‘s regular programme, Altrincham 10k continues to grow in size with each passing year, as demonstrated by getting such prestigious sponsors on board.
Taking place this weekend, the 2025 Alty 10k could just be the biggest yet.
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with @Nike & @sportsshoes_com to bring the town an unforgettable race day 🤝
📅 Sunday 7th September 🏃 3,500 runners 👟 Closed roads ⚡️ Electric atmosphere
Set to welcome approximately 3,500 runners to the Trafford market town’s central streets, the Altrincham 10k is one of the final large-scale running events on the local calendar.
Aligning both famous brands with the heart of Altrincham’s running community and, indeed, giving Greater Manchester’s wider sports culture, it’s yet more prestige for 0161.
The 2025 race will also see Nike showcase its latest road running line-up, including the newest max cushioning shoe: the ‘Vomero Plus’; the responsive ‘Pegasus’ everyday trainer, as well as supportive ‘Structure’ model, meaning runners will get a chance to sample their latest styles.
As well as support from SportsShoes.com and official Nike ambassadors, North West native and GB triathlete Katie Halligan, Hits Radio presenter and ultra runner Hattie Pearson, as well as local Manc artist Emma Evans will all be there too.
These equally inspiring women have also been chosen to help represent Nike and RunThrough’s shared mission of attracting more female runners, as shown with events such asthe recent 2025 Women’s Run Series back in April.
Co-Founder of RunThrough, Matt Wood, said of the new partnership: “Welcoming Nike as title sponsor of the Altrincham 10K, alongside our long-standing partner SportsShoes.com, is a huge milestone for the event.
“This partnership highlights the growth of our community and the strength of our brand. We can’t wait to support the thousands of runners taking part in the Nike Altrincham 10K, Presented by SportsShoes.com.”
As for SportShoes, brand manager Gavin Bannister added: “The energy around this year’s 10K will be electric, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there chasing their goals and celebrating the power of running.
“From our own athletes to first-time runners, this event is all about showing up, pushing limits, and being part of something truly special, and that is what Nike and Sportsshoes.com are all about.”
Entries are still open for any of those interested in a last-minute place in the race on Sunday, 7 September – you can sign up HERE.
Danny Jones -
30th April 2025 
