Tom Curry is getting all the support he needs from England after being subjected to online threats and abuse following allegations he was on the receiving end of a racial slur from South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi, according to the attack coach Richard Wigglesworth.
World Rugby started an investigation on Tuesday after receiving an official complaint from the Rugby Football Union, insisting it “takes all allegations of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously” and is aiming to conclude whether there is evidence to take the matter further “as quickly as possible”.
Curry can clearly be heard on a recording, via referee Ben O’Keeffe’s microphone, in conversation with the official in the 24th minute of the match. He said: “Sir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white cunt what do I do?” The New Zealander responded by saying: “Nothing please.” He goes on to add, after a short pause: “I’ll be on it,” though it is unclear if he was referring to the specific incident.
Against the backdrop of World Rugby’s investigation, England are preparing for the bronze final against Argentina on Friday and Wigglesworth has backed Curry to perform on what would be his 50th appearance if selected by Steve Borthwick. The openside flanker has endured considerable abuse since the allegations emerged but Wigglesworth revealed England are rallying around Curry as they seek to finish their campaign on a high.
“Tom is good,” Wigglesworth said. “He’s obviously been thrown into it, but he’s a very, very impressive young man. I know players will have got around him. Steve and the management team have been all over it. I’m sure he’s getting every bit of support that he needs. If selected on Friday he will pour everything into that England shirt as he has done on the other 49 occasions.”
The RFU chief executive, Bill Sweeney, insisted he could not comment on the details of a “live legal case” but echoed Wigglesworth’s sentiments. “Clearly we’ll support Tom, absolutely,” Sweeney said. “He’s getting all the support he needs.”
Meanwhile, after it emerged that Kevin Sinfield is likely to leave his role as defence coach after the World Cup by mutual agreement, Wigglesworth was full of praise for his fellow assistant. The Guardian understands Sinfield’s days were numbered before the tournament began and he has been linked with a move to Warrington Wolves where he would join the coach Sam Burgess. Sources close to the former cross-code international have previously denied an interest in hiring Sinfield, however.
“He’s a close ally of mine from Leicester,” Wigglesworth said. “We were two guys who lived away from the club, so travelled and stayed over. I spent a lot of time with him, and even more time with him through this whole process.
“I’m very close to him so I’m probably incredibly biased about what Kev brings but I’m sure the lads in the environment will tell you that he gives absolutely everything, has a big impact on individuals and gives up a lot of his time to help. We know he’s that sort of person and he’s done an exceptional job of doing it.”
