World Rugby says there is insufficient evidence to charge Bongi Mbonambi over alleged racial abuse of Tom Curry in Rugby World Cup semi-final; World Rugby were also investigating an additional allegation arising from the rivals’ clash at Twickenham in November 2022
Last Updated: 26/10/23 8:45am
World Rugby has found insufficient evidence to pursue Tom Curry’s allegation that he was racially abused by Bongi Mbonambi in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa.
The game’s global governing body announced that it has closed the case unless additional evidence comes to light.
Curry alleged to referee Ben O’Keeffe in the second quarter of the Stade de France showdown that he had been racially abused by Springboks hooker Mbonambi.
World Rugby said the England flanker had made the allegation in good faith.
In an unexpected development, World Rugby revealed that it had also been investigating an additional allegation arising from the rivals’ clash at Twickenham in November 2022.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) told the investigation that Curry “had also been the victim of the same abuse, from the same player, in the autumn Test 2022”.
“Any allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby, warranting a thorough investigation,” a World Rugby statement read.
“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.”
Mbonambi has been named to start in South Africa’s World Cup final showdown with New Zealand on Saturday night.
The RFU said they were “deeply disappointed” by the decision made 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,” an RFU statement read.
“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.
“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.”
Curry drew the incident involving hooker Mbonambi to the attention of referee O’Keeffe around the half-hour mark of the match at the Stade de France and asked what he should do in response. O’Keeffe replied: “Nothing, please. I’ll be on it.”
When asked after the match if Mbonambi had said something he shouldn’t have done, Curry replied “yeah”, although he declined to reveal what was said.
Mbonambi refused to shake Curry’s hand at the end of a dramatic clash in Paris that was won by Handre Pollard’s penalty after 78 minutes.