England internationals Tom and Ben Curry have committed their long-term futures to Sale Sharks after penning new deals, however, the Salford-based club will be without Springbok star Jean-Luc du Preez next season. 

Twin brothers Tom and Ben both made their Sale debuts in 2016 and have spent the entirety of their club careers in the North West.

Tom and Ben Curry pen new Sale deals but Jean-Luc du Preez heads for exit

Commenting on the double re-signing, Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson, said: “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.

“They actually haven’t played loads of rugby together – for ages it seemed to be one or the other – but I really believe that now, they complement each other and they’re only going to get better.”

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Also speaking on his new deal, club captain 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.

“We’ve been in semi-finals and a final over the past few years and I really believe we can take the next step. I fully believe in Alex and what him, Simon, Michelle and Ged are building and I want to be a part of it.”

Brother Tom added: “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.

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“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.”

But, despite the positive news regarding the two England internationals, they will be without the services of Springbok international Jean-Luc du Preez next season after his switch to Bordeaux-Begles was confirmed.

Speaking on TNT Sports ahead of his side’s clash with Saracens, Sanderson let it slip that the powerhouse back-rower was headed for pastures new.

“It’s a time of the year when you get the privilege of saying thank you to some of the boys who are moving onto different pastures or moving on. We had one of those meetings with JL du Preez, and it was emotional to say the least.”

The club are yet to officially announce the exit, though.

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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/sale-landed-double-england-extension-boost-as-springboks-powerhouse-departs