Rugby World Cup: England skipper Owen Farrell slams online abuse of Tom Curry amid racism allegation

Owen Farrell: “Tom Curry is one of the most honest, hard-working guys. What’s not understandable is the amount of abuse he takes. You’re dealing with people, with human beings. Just because you say things on your phone or behind a computer screen does not make it acceptable”

Owen Farrell has condemned the online vilification of Tom Curry after the England winger claimed he was racially abused during Saturday’s World Cup semi-final defeat to South Africa.

England are furious that Curry has been targeted online for claiming to referee Ben O’Keeffe that he was called a “white bastard” by Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi.

World Rugby is examining audio and video footage of the clash at Stade de France as part of its ongoing investigation into the incident, but in the meantime Curry has been the victim of a social media pile-on by his club Sale is described as “horrible”.

On Wednesday, a visibly angry Farrell defended his teammate, who will win his 50th cap in the bronze medal match against Argentina on Friday.

Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

England head coach Steve Borthwick and Farrell defend their teammate Tom Curry, saying they are disappointed with the abuse he has suffered

“Tom was first-class this week, as he always is. He’s one of the most honest and hard-working guys I’ve ever played with,” England captain Farrell said.

“What is not understandable is the amount of abuse he has suffered. The effect it has on him is the part that I, and we, really don’t understand.

“And I know it seems to be that way more and more, but it shouldn’t be that way, it shouldn’t be that way.

“You’re dealing with people, with human beings. Just because you say things on your phone or behind a computer screen doesn’t make it acceptable. I don’t think it’s acceptable.

“This doesn’t make me like interacting with people outside of the people close to you.”

Head coach Steve Borthwick has made clear his belief that Curry has been unfairly caught in the eye of the storm, doubling down on England’s claim that the Sale striker was racially abused by Mbonambi.

“This is not a Tom Curry incident. Someone said something in a game that he reported,” Borthwick said.

“This is a World Rugby and South Africa issue, not an England or Tom Curry rugby issue.”

Curry has accused South African hooker Bongi Mbonambi of making racist comments towards him

Curry continues in the back row, although he switches from openside to blindside flanker as one of ten changes (eight in personnel) to the side to face Argentina.

Borthwick insists he had no hesitation in leaving Curry aside for the rematch of the Pool D opener, which England won, despite the 25-year-old being sent off in the third minute for a dangerous tackle.

“The way Tom plays means he’s more involved than any other player on the pitch. And it’s physically powerful involvement,” Borthwick said.

“When he came off the pitch against South Africa he was injured and bloodied and that’s exactly how Tom Curry plays.

“I was chatting to him at the start of the week about how he was physically with another turnaround in six days and he looked straight at me and said point blank, ‘I’m desperate to play on Friday night’.

“This guy wants to play. I have no doubt he wants to be there and the way he has prepared all week has been incredible.

Curry was keen to play in Friday’s bronze medal Rugby World Cup match against Argentina, Borthwick said

“But that’s Tom Curry. It’s the way he does it every week, so I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

With no indication yet of when World Rugby’s investigation will be completed, Mbonambi will take part in the World Cup final against New Zealand on Saturday.

He has completed the last two games – fierce battles against France and England – and given the lack of hooker cover in the front line, he will play another 80 minutes against the All Blacks.

South Africa’s assistant coach Felix Jones said: “Bongi has come through both games very well. Any player getting ready to play in a World Cup final will not complain about the number of minutes he has had. He will be ready .” to go.”

Sale Sharks: Club is shocked by the disgusting abuse directed at Curry

Curry’s club Sale Sharks have since criticized the “disgusting abuse” directed at the England flanker and released a statement in support of their player on Wednesday.

“The owners, players, coaches and staff of Sale Sharks are absolutely shocked by the nature and level of disgusting abuse directed at Tom Curry and his family in relation to an incident in the World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa ”, the post on X, formerly Twitter, read.

“Everyone at the club fully and proudly supports Tom and we look forward to welcoming him back to Carrington.”