Maro Itoje has hailed “courageous” Tom Curry for calling out Bongi Mbonambi’s alleged racist abuse.
England have reacted with fury to World Rugby ending the investigation into Curry’s claims that South Africa hooker Mbonambi called him a “white c***” during Saturday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final.
The RFU took the near unprecedented step of castigating World Rugby in a damning statement, revealing their “deep disappointment” that Curry’s case was effectively thrown out.
Head coach Steve Borthwick lamented “victim” Curry being denied the opportunity to deliver any impact testimony, given World Rugby opted not to convene a disciplinary hearing.
World Rugby insisted in a statement on Thursday that there was “insufficient evidence” to progress the case, leaving Mbonambi free to play in Saturday’s World Cup final against New Zealand.
England claimed in their submissions to World Rugby that Mbonambi directed the same racial slur against Curry during South Africa’s 27-13 win at Twickenham in November 2022.
South Africa protested Mbonambi’s innocence for the first time on Thursday afternoon, in a short statement. But now Itoje has leapt to Curry’s defence, praising the Sale flanker for standing up to the alleged discrimination.
“I think Tom has been tremendous, he’s been courageous to do what he’s done in the manner he’s done it, through proper channels, conducting himself in a manner he should be proud of,” said Itoje.
“Definitely as team-mates we are proud of him. To do that isn’t easy.
“To call out stuff like that isn’t easy. As you’ve seen this week, when you do something courageous like that, you put yourself out there. He’s been absolutely fantastic in that regard.
“In terms of how we’ve tried to support him, we’ve just tried to be there for him in any way he needs. If he needs to talk about anything, we are always there for him.
“But he’s a strong man, he has a strong personality, a strong will, and he’s been great throughout the week.”
England head coach Borthwick threw his total support behind flanker Curry, who will start in the back row in Friday night’s third-place play-off against Argentina.
“Let’s be clear, Tom Curry has done nothing wrong,” said Borthwick. “We have got a victim of a situation who has not been able to have his voice heard.
“By World Rugby’s decision they have denied the victim of the situation, Tom Curry, the chance to have his voice heard. That’s where the disappointment really comes in.
We have got a victim of a situation who has not been able to have his voice heard
“What is also important to say right now, in my role here, is that discrimination has got no part in what we do, no part whatsoever.”
England released a coruscating statement on Thursday morning, as the fallout from the incident in South Africa’s 16-15 win over the Red Rose side last weekend rumbles on.
“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.
“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 also been subjected to online abuse off the back raising the racism allegations against Mbonambi, and the RFU issued a staunch defence of the Sale flanker.
The RFU statement continued: “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."
Mbonambi will now start Saturday's World Cup final in a clear boost to the Springboks' chances, given that their other two hooker options are back-rowers - Deon Fourie and Marco van Staden - who can step into the front row if required.
World Rugby confirmed their decision not to charge Mbonambi, citing a lack of evidence.
“Any allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby, warranting a thorough investigation,” read World Rugby’s statement.
“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.”
South Africa for the first time on Thursday afternoon addressed the incident directly, insisting Mbonambi is innocent of any wrongdoing.
“South Africa Rugby welcomes the decision that no further action will be taken,” read the union’s statement.
“Any form of racism is abhorrent to SA Rugby and the Springbok team, whose purpose is to do everything in its power to assist in uniting our diverse and multicultural nation.
“Bongi Mbonambi is an experienced, respected and decorated Test player and denied the allegations from the outset. SA Rugby has absolute faith in the honesty and integrity of Bongi.”
