Angry England bosses have hit out at World Rugby for failing to take action on Tom Curry’s racism allegations against Bongi Mbonambi.
South Africa hooker Mbonambi is now free to start Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand in Paris.
The 32-year-old was accused by Curry of calling him a “white c***” during England’s agonising 16-15 defeat by the Springboks in last weekend's semi-final at the Stade de France.
World Rugby launched an investigation on Monday but have now opted not to charge Mbonambi, citing a lack of evidence to take the disciplinary process any further.
English chiefs have responded with the rare step of a damning statement, criticising governing body World Rugby for failing to act on the allegations.
England said that Curry has alleged that Mbonambi levelled the same racist abuse against him in South Africa’s 27-13 win at Twickenham in November 2022.
“The RFU fully support Tom Curry in raising the racially abusive behaviour he experienced whilst playing for England against South Africa,” read an RFU statement on Thursday.
“During the match between England and South Africa on Saturday 21st October 2023, Tom Curry reported to the referee that he has been racially abused by Mbongeni Mbonambi.
“The subsequent World Rugby investigation was informed by Tom Curry that he had also been the victim of the same abuse, from the same player, in the Autumn Test 2022.
“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.”
Curry has been subjected to online abuse following the allegations against Mbonambi, and the RFU issued a staunch defence of the Sale flanker.
“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,” read the RFU statement.
“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.”
Mbonambi will now start Saturday’s World Cup final against New Zealand in a clear boost to the Springboks' chances, given their other two hooker options are back-rowers who can step into the front row if required.
World Rugby confirmed their decision not to charge Mbonambi, citing a lack of evidence for their decision.
“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,” read a World Rugby statement.
“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 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.”
South Africa team to face New Zealand: D Willemse; K-L Arendse, J Kriel, D De Allende, C Kolbe; H Pollard, F De Klerk; S Kitshoff, B Mbonambi, F Malherbe; E Etzebeth, F Mostert; S Kolisi (capt), P-S Du Toit, D Vermeulen.
Replacements: D Fourie, O Nche, T Nayakane, J Kleyn, RG Snyman, K Smith, J Wiese, W Le Roux.
