The Rugby Football Union has responded to World Rugby after the governing body decided not to proceed with a disciplinary case against South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi over England star’s Tom Curry’s allegation that he was racially abused by the player.
Curry alleged that the Springbok hooker used a racial slur against him during the two sides’ meeting in the World Cup semi-final, with the flanker heard telling referee Ben O’Keeffe that he had been called a “white c***” during the first half. Get the latest Rugby World Cup news sent straight to your inbox by signing up to WalesOnline’s daily rugby newsletter here.
World Rugby launched a review into the incident but on Thursday announced that after a “thorough investigation” there was “insufficient evidence at this time to proceed with charges” against Mbonambi. The decision means that the 32-year-old will be able to play in this weekend’s final against the All Blacks.
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In response to that announcement, the RFU has issued a furious statement saying it is “deeply disappointed” with World Rugby’s decision and claiming that the Sale Sharks man has been denied the opportunity to have his voice heard. The union also alleged that the flanker had been “the victim of the same abuse” from Mbonambi when the two sides met last November, with no charges brought against the Springbok for that incident either.
“During last Saturday’s match between England and South Africa, Tom Curry reported to the referee that he had been racially abused by Mbongeni Mbonambi,” the statement read. “The subsequent World Rugby investigation were informed by Tom Curry that he had also been the victim of the same abuse, from the same player, in the 2022 autumn Test. World Rugby have today announced their decision not to bring charges in respect of either incident.
“The RFU are deeply disappointed by the decision taken by World Rugby. The decision not to put the evidence before an independent disciplinary panel has denied the disciplinary process the opportunity to hear Tom Curry’s voice and to independently assess his account of these serious events, together with the other available evidence.”
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In addition, the RFU also condemned the “disgusting” abuse that Curry had faced in the wake of the allegations, with the star forced to disable comments on his Instagram page after being targeted with vile threats.
“In their continued full support of Tom, the RFU together with the England squad, condemn the disgusting abuse he and his family has received on social media as a result of his having had the courage to put unacceptable behaviour that has no place in society or on the rugby field, in the public eye,” the statement continued.
“Abuse of any kind is not acceptable and goes against the core values of rugby. It is important that it is safe and acceptable for everyone involved in rugby union to raise concerns, and the RFU continue to encourage everyone to report any unacceptable behaviour in the game.”
Twenty-five-year-old Curry will win his 50th cap for England on Friday night as Steve Borthwick’s side take on pool rivals Argentina in the Bronze Final. Meanwhile, Mbonambi starts at hooker in an experienced Springboks line-up for the final against New Zealand, with the Sharks man targeting his second World Cup win.
The World Rugby statement issued on Thursday morning read: “World Rugby has undertaken a review of allegations made by England’s Tom Curry in relation to the use of discriminatory language by South Africa’s Mbongeni Mbonambi during the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final on Saturday along with a further allegation brought forward in recent days about a previous match in the Autumn Nations Series 2022.
“Any allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby, warranting a thorough investigation. Having considered all the available evidence, including match footage, audio and evidence from both teams, the governing body has determined that there is insufficient evidence at this time to proceed with charges. Therefore, the matter is deemed closed unless additional evidence comes to light.
It continued: “It is important to note that World Rugby accepts that Tom Curry made the allegations in good faith, and that there is no suggestion that the allegation was deliberately false or malicious.
“World Rugby is also concerned by the social media abuse that both players have been subjected to this week. There is no place in rugby or society for discrimination, abuse or hate speech, and World Rugby urges fans to embrace the sport’s values of respect, integrity and solidarity.”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
