"It’s being more diligent, one hundred per cent, off the field of what you do," Curry states firmly. "But there’s only one way to get good and stay good, and that’s playing games. So that’s what I want to do."
Recently back in Sale after a pre-season camp in Portugal, Curry is already in full swing, catching up on conditioning after a short offseason without a full break. He humorously remarks on the omnipresent fitness staff, "They can touch you in all corners of the globe."
"You can’t make excuses for it. I’ve had it for a while where I can come back and play, and I probably didn’t manage to capture that towards the end of the season. So I’m excited to have this time to fully get onto it, and then we’re on a level playing field again."
Another highlight for Curry this season is the addition of Courtney Lawes to Sale. Lawes, who has recently retired from international rugby, brings a wealth of experience and a calming influence to the team. Curry praises Lawes’s impact and is enthusiastic about learning from him.
"He’s still the same, if not better," said Curry about Lawes. "He’s more diligent, and chatting to him about certain bits around the breakdown, just the way he speaks and his experiences, will be really cool."
Curry also acknowledges the swift integration of new players, including prominent names like Joe Marchant and Alex Lozowski, alongside the promising Fijian duo, Ponipate Loganimasi and Elia Canakaivata. The blend of seasoned internationals and energetic newcomers has quickly formed a cohesive unit.
Despite a challenging previous season, Curry is optimistic about the upcoming fixtures and dismisses any premature World Cup discussions. He believes focusing on the immediate games is crucial, given the unpredictable nature of rugby tournaments.
"I don’t necessarily think you can start adding World Cup into the conversation, because you look at teams that fly into the World Cup and then you get to the actual tournament and it doesn’t work out," he explains. He emphasizes the importance of taking each match as it comes, focusing on the here and now.
Moreover, Curry is a strong proponent of hosting more major rugby events in the north of England, citing the successful match against Fiji at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. He sees the potential for the region to become a vibrant hub for rugby, drawing in fans and fostering local talent.
As Sale prepares for their season, the team's blend of experience, new talent, and steady leadership under Curry's influence sets a promising stage. With a clear vision and collective drive, the squad looks to leave last season's disappointments behind and forge a victorious path forward.
Curry's commitment to his team and the sport is clear as he concludes, "We’re here to get excited about brand new things, and it’s going to be a good crack at it. You take your learnings, of course, but the main thing is how you implement them."
