England claim Bongi Mbonambi called Tom Curry a ‘white ****’ TWICE – last year AND at Rugby World Cup – but South Africa star is cleared over ‘insufficient evidence’ to prosecute
The RFU has reacted furiously after World Rugby announced no charges will be laid against Bongi Mbonambi over alleged racist abuse directed at England flanker Tom Curry.
Within minutes of the world governing body confirming there was insufficient evidence to take any action against the Springbok hooker, who Curry complained had called him a ‘white ****’ in the World Cup semi-final, the English association issued a strong warning. – formulated statement. It demonstrated the atmosphere of anger and outrage within the Red Rose organization and RFU over the entire aftermath of last weekend’s ugly episode – both the investigation process and the toxic reactions on social media.
The statement read: ‘The RFU fully supports Tom Curry in raising the racially abusive behavior he experienced while playing for England against South Africa. During the match between England and South Africa on Saturday, October 21, 2023, Tom Curry reported to the referee that he had been racially abused by Mbongeni (Bongi) Mbonambi.
‘The subsequent World Rugby investigation was informed by Tom Curry that he had also been the victim of the same abuse, by the same player, during the 2022 Autumn Test. World Rugby today announced that they have decided not to lay charges in relation to both incidents. .
“The RFU is deeply disappointed by World Rugby’s decision. The decision not to present the evidence to an independent disciplinary panel has denied the disciplinary process the opportunity to hear Tom Curry’s voice and independently assess his account of these serious events, together with the other available evidence.
World Rugby has closed an investigation into South African star Bongi Mbonambi
Tom Curry had reported the alleged comment to referee Ben O’Keeffe during the semi-final
‘In their continued full support for Tom, the RFU along with the England squad condemn the disgusting abuse he and his family have suffered on social media as a result of him having the courage to engage in unacceptable behavior that has no place in the society or on the rugby field, in the public eye.
“Any form of abuse is unacceptable 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 continues to encourage everyone to report unacceptable behavior in the game.”
This damning response from the RFU was released just minutes after World Rugby revealed no action would be taken against Mbonambi due to a lack of evidence. By announcing this, they tried to emphasize that Curry had done the right thing by filing his complaint.
Their statement read: ‘World Rugby has launched an investigation into allegations made by England’s Tom Curry regarding the use of discriminatory language by South Africa’s Mbongeni Mbonambi during the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa on Saturday, along with a further allegation raised in recent days about a previous match in the 2022 Autumn Nations Series.
“Any allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby and warrants a thorough investigation. After considering all 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 bring charges. Therefore, the case is considered closed unless additional evidence comes to light.
The RFU said it was ‘deeply disappointed’ by the decision to close the investigation
‘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 to which both players have been subjected this week. There is no place in rugby or in society for discrimination, abuse or hate speech, and World Rugby urges fans to embrace the sport’s values of respect, integrity and solidarity.”
Mbonambi has been named to start for South Africa in the World Cup final against New Zealand at the Stade de France on Saturday. Curry was already included in the England line-up for the bronze final against Argentina at the same location on Friday evening.