DOUBLE TROUBLE
How many twins have played for England Rugby in the same team?
An injury scuppered a chance to be the first male twins to appear together
TWINS playing together for the England rugby team is exceptionally rare, but not unheard of.
Here we take a look at the spectacular siblings who have achieved this fantastic feat — as well as those who are about to join their numbers at the 2025 Six Nations.
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Have twins played together for England men's rugby team?
As of January 31, 2025, no twins have played together for the senior England men's rugby team in the same match.
Ben and Tom — the Curry twins — were both selected for England's 2017 tour of Argentina by Eddie Jones when they were just 18, and at the end of their very first pro season playing for Sale.
Sadly, injury prevented Ben — who had already captained his twin brother in the U20s national side earlier that year — from making his debut.
However, this is about to change in a historic moment for English rugby.
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Trailblazing Curry twins
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Identical twins Tom and Ben Curry were born on June 15, 1998.
The 26-year-olds are set to become the first twins to play together for the England men's rugby team in the Six Nations match against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
This milestone comes after a long journey for the Curry brothers, who have been playing rugby together since the age of four.
The twins have had parallel but slightly different paths to this monumental moment.
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While Tom made his England debut at 19, becoming the youngest forward to play for England in over 90 years, Ben's debut was delayed due to injury.
Tom has since become a regular in the England setup, including playing in the 2019 World Cup final, which they lost 32-12 to South Africa.
Eddie Jones and Tom Curry react to England's 20-17 loss to Scotland in the Six Nations
In a Six Nations win over France in 2019, Tom played with blood pouring down his face after a cut to his forehead.
Ben didn't make his England debut until June 2021, coming off the bench against the United States.
The brothers have come close to playing together for England, notably in November 2023 when they were both in the squad against New Zealand.
Unfortunately, Ben ended up replacing Tom in the 59th minute — meaning they did not play together.
We have well-rounded skill sets that complement each other
Tom Curry
Ben told the : "Steve [Borthwick] came up to us before the game and said he wants to play us together. So I was thinking, 'class'.
"I see Tom 15 minutes in with his head down and he is trudging. I was thinking: He has screwed this up."
Speaking of playing together, Tom said: "We have well-rounded skill sets that complement each other.
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"It is not throwing out two people who are the same player. We know each other and what we are about.
"That helps, but the ability to work off each other and do different roles like at six and seven, we are technically doing different things."
Red Roses — the Cleall twins
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In women's rugby, there is one notable pair of twins who have represented England together.
Poppy and Bryony Cleall - born on June 12, 1992 - have both played for the England women's rugby team.
They achieved the milestone of playing together on March 27, 2021, during the opening round of the 2021 Women's Six Nations.
In England's 52-10 victory over Scotland, both twins featured, with Bryony making her first start for England — Poppy was already a fixture in the side.
During the match the Cleall twins even combined for a try, with Poppy assisting Bryony.
After the game Poppy said: “I am so proud of her [Bryony], it’s two caps and two tries!
“I tried to put it on a plate for her and she finished it so well.
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“We’re so proud of her and pleased to see her back in a white shirt. She’s worked so hard.”
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