Tom Curry has been selected to start at openside against the Wallabies in the first Test on SaturdayBen Curry and Tom Curry of England (Image: Getty Images)

Ben Curry has launched a passionate defence of his twin brother Tom after the England flanker was selected ahead of Jac Morgan for the first British and Irish Lions Test — a decision that means Wales have no representatives in the matchday squad for the first time since 1896.

The omission of Morgan, the only Welsh player on tour, has sparked widespread backlash online, particularly among Welsh supporters, with many questioning Andy Farrell’s decision to favour the 62-cap England star at openside flanker.

Now Ben, currently on international duty with England in Washington, has hit back at what he sees as unjust criticism of his brother — and questioned whether those voicing it are true Lions fans at all.

“There’s been a lot of outside criticism which I’m really disappointed about,” said the Sale Sharks captain. “You’d think people would be Lions supporters, but it doesn’t seem so from looking at social media.

“Some of it is gobsmacking. Tom can’t say anything about it, obviously, but I think it’s incredibly disappointing. Are you Lions supporters or not? That’s what gets me.”

Farrell described the decision to leave out Morgan as “as close as you could imagine”, admitting it was one of the toughest calls he faced when naming his side to face Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.

Morgan has impressed throughout the tour, with many believing he had done enough to earn a Test start. But in opting for Tom Curry alongside Tadhg Beirne and Jack Conan, the Lions boss pointed to the balance his selection offers.

Tom Curry of the British & Irish Lions(Image: Getty Images)

Still, the snub of Morgan — a player who has captained Wales and performed consistently well — has left Welsh fans feeling aggrieved.

Ben Curry, however, insists his brother is the kind of player every team needs.

“Tom is a proper glue player and a lot of people won’t understand that,” he added. “He’s incredibly selfless, a big-game player. You don’t get that often.

“In a rugby team when you look around the circle, look people in the eyes, he’s number one on the list of those you want next to you. If I was in that side I wouldn’t want to play with anyone else.”

Tom Curry’s CV is hard to argue with. He played all three Tests on the 2021 tour of South Africa, has featured in a World Cup final, captained England and been shortlisted for World Rugby Player of the Year.

And Ben believes the wave of criticism could fuel an even stronger performance.

“I’m incredibly proud of how Tom has gone about his business, how he has dealt with everyone and everything on the outside,” he said. “The way he’s handled it and the way he’s played has been unbelievably professional.

“He’s 100 per cent going to rise to the occasion.”