England’s Richard Wigglesworth: “Tom Curry is good. I know players are rallying around him. I’m sure he’ll get all the support he needs. You can never put yourself in those shoes and know that feeling. World Rugby is quite has been vocal in following up on issues. They should do that again”
Last updated: 10/24/23 4:54 PM
England’s Tom Curry has accused South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi of racist comments
England insist Tom Curry is ready for Friday’s World Cup bronze medal as team and management rally around the flanker caught in a racism storm.
World Rugby is investigating an allegation from Curry that he was racially abused by South African hooker Bongi Mbonambi in the first half of Saturday’s semi-final defeat.
Curry claimed to referee Ben O’Keeffe that he was called a “white bastard” by Mbonambi and, following a complaint from the Rugby Football Union, audio and video footage is being examined for evidence.
If the 25-year-old is picked against Argentina on Friday night, it will be his 50th cap and attack coach Richard Wigglesworth is confident the alleged incident will not cause any disruption as England prepare to sign off for the World Cup.
“Tom (Curry) is good. I know players will rally around him. Steve and the management team have done everything they can. I’m sure he will get all the support he needs,” said Wigglesworth.
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England winger Tom Curry claims he was racially abused by South African hooker Bongi Mbonambi during England’s World Cup semi-final defeat
“I’m not sure you can ever put yourself in those shoes and know that feeling. What I do know is that he is an impressive young man who, if selected on Friday, will put everything into that England shirt, just like he did last time.” 49 occasions.
“It will be handled by World Rugby. We are stuck in our preparation for Argentina. The process is the process and we have no idea how long that will take or the outcome, but we have to prepare for Argentina.
“Every week there’s always something to distract you. It’s international rugby, there’s a lot to be distracted by. You want to be in situations where there’s distraction.
“This distraction is different, but it is still noise that is not about Friday night, our preparation and our desire to finish on the right foot.
“World Rugby has been quite vocal in following up on issues in the past and they need to do the same again.”
Wigglesworth’s words were echoed by England World Cup player Ben Earl, who has started the last two games in the same back row as the Sale openside.
“Tom is a brilliant teammate, a brilliant friend of mine. He’s also an incredibly resilient man,” Earl said.
“He gives everything for the team and I know he will do that this weekend. I hope it all gets resolved soon.”
Richard Wigglesworth and Ben Earl say England players and coaches have rallied behind Curry
Wigglesworth could not shed any light on a report that defense coach Kevin Sinfield will leave England after the World Cup by mutual consent.
England’s defense improved significantly at the tournament in France and they only conceded one try to world champions South Africa.
“There’s nothing that I’m aware of about Kevin, so it’s hard to comment because the story isn’t about me,” Wigglesworth said.
“Hopefully there isn’t much in it. I’m sure we’ll find out after the World Cup if that’s the case.
England attacking coach Richard Wigglesworth also said he was unaware of rumors that defense coach Kevin Sinfield could leave his role
“He is a close ally of mine from Leicester. We were two guys who lived far from the club, so we traveled and stayed.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with him, and even more time with him through this whole process.
“I have a very close relationship with him so I’m probably incredibly biased about what Kev brings, but I’m sure the guys around there will tell you he gives absolutely everything.
“He has had a great impact on individuals and spends a lot of time helping them. We know he is that kind of person and he has done it exceptionally well.”