6 months ago
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SOUTH AFRICA star Bongi Mbonambi is set to start in Saturday’s World Cup final against New Zealand.
That’s after World Rugby chiefs dismissed claims he racially abused Tom Curry in last weekend’s semi-final clash.
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PAThe England ace alleged that Mbonambi had called him a “white c**t” during South Africa’s dramatic narrow win.
But World Rugby has cleared the way for Mbonambi to start this weekend’s final after saying there was “insufficient evidence” for Curry’s claim.
However, it’s noted the flanker made the allegation in good faith.
The Rugby Football Union says it is “deeply disappointed” by World Rugby’s decision – while also claiming Mbonambi racially abused Curry a YEAR ago as well.
They allege the South African made a racist comment to Curry in England’s 13-27 home loss in November 2022.
A lengthy statement read: “The RFU fully support Tom Curry in raising the racially abusive behaviour he experienced whilst playing for England against South Africa.
“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 were 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.
“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 made his case to ref Ben O’Keeffe during England’s 16-15 defeat on Saturday, saying: “Sir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white c**t what can I do?”
O’Keeffe responded: “Nothing please. I’ll be on it.”
It later emerged that a potential defence could be that Curry misunderstood a comment made by Mbonambi in Afrikaans.
He could have used the term “wit kant” – meaning “white side” in Afrikaans – to tell team-mates that the ball was on the English side of the ruck.
Asked if the South African had “said something he shouldn’t have” after England’s defeat, Curry replied: “Yeah.”
Probed on whether he would say what he had heard, Curry added: “No. It wasn’t cleared up. It doesn’t need to be talked about.
“Listen, I’m not talking about it now.”
A statement from World Rugby said: “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.
“Any allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby, warranting a thorough investigation.
“Having considered all 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.”
A South Africa statement read: “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, needless to say, denied the allegations from the outset. SA Rugby has absolute faith in the honesty and integrity of Bongi.
“The team’s focus remains, as it has throughout the week, on Saturday’s match against New Zealand. SA Rugby will make no further comment on the matter.”
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