Sale Sharks' star man Tom Curry will continue to thrive in the No.7 shirt if given the chance at this autumn’s Rugby World Cup, according to former England captain Chris Robshaw.

Curry, who won the Land Rover Discovery of the Season award for his exceptional performances with the Sharks, has quickly become a vital part of the England setup, starting at No.7 in every game at the 2019 Six Nations before being selected in England’s preliminary 29-man World Cup training squad in June.

And while the 21-year-old is still relatively inexperienced with just ten international caps under his belt, Robshaw is confident his youthful confidence will be exactly what England need to gain revenge for their 2015 World Cup humiliation when they head to Japan.

“Being a flanker myself, I’ve been so impressed with Tom Curry,” said Robshaw.

“To be playing at such a high standard at the top level at just 21 years of age is remarkable. He’s not just playing at the highest level either, he’s consistently excelling at it.

“He’s a fantastic character to have in the camp too. He really looks like he is there for the long-haul. 

“I don’t think any of the younger players will be carrying the same scar from 2015 into the autumn. They will go there hugely excited – just like anyone is when they first get called up to a World Cup.

“They only happen once every four years so there’s always an extra buzz about them, but especially when you’re playing in your first.”

The experience of playing in a World Cup for the first time did not live up to expectations for Robshaw, who, as captain of the 2015 team, bore the full brunt of England bowing out of the competition at the group stage on home soil.

With 66 caps to his name, Robshaw is one of the most experienced players Eddie Jones could take to avenge previous shortcomings in Japan, but after an injury-hit season with Harlequins, the 33-year-old flanker did not make the Australian’s preliminary squad.

And while he knew his hopes were in the balance, Robshaw admitted he would have loved to have another opportunity to succeed with his country on the international stage.

“It would mean so much to me to play in another World Cup,” he added.

“Unfortunately, the last tournament didn’t go at all to plan. It was a tough time for me and a lot of the other players involved.

“To go out there to try and right a wrong would be a huge honour.”

The National Rugby Awards recognises the outstanding work done by coaches, players and supporters across the country. There is no other event which brings together the clubs and players from all the leagues in England, from grassroots to elite. www.nationalrugbyawards.co.uk

As part of its continued support for English rugby, GUINNESS will sponsor the awards which recognise each club across every rugby union league in the country. The GUINNESS National Rugby Awards recognise the outstanding work of the coaches, players, supporters and volunteers across England.

Robshaw added: "The Guinness National Rugby Awards are hugely important. They celebrates everything from grassroots, like volunteers and unsung heroes, to the professional game. It’s an event that really celebrates rugby in this country and it’s brilliant that a brand like Guinness who shares rugby’s core values and beliefs are the new title sponsor."