GLASS ACTS

Earl knew Currys were cut above

- ADAM HATHAWAY

BEN EARL was convinced the Currys were made of the right stuff when they nearly had to walk on broken glass to represent England as teenagers.

Earl and the Sale twins, Ben and Tom, will combine in the back row against Ireland on Saturday for the first time in a senior shirt.

But around a decade ago, the trio were in the match-day squad for a national age-grade side playing against Wales at the Gnoll, home of Neath RFC.

Earl revealed conditions were a million miles from what he is used to these days at Twickenham or the Aviva Stadium, with the pitch having to be cleared before kick-off.