Staff Reporter.
England have accused World Rugby of denying Tom Curry a fair hearing over his allegation of an on-field racial slur by South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi.
Curry claims he was abused during last Saturday’s World Cup semi-final defeat, after a similar comment was made by Mbonambi last November.
“Tom Curry has done nothing wrong,” said head coach Steve Borthwick.
“World Rugby made a decision not to allow the opportunity for the victim’s voice to be heard.”
The world governing body reviewed video and audio footage and submissions from both teams, before clearing Mbonambi, ruling there was “insufficient evidence” that he had used the alleged term.
It added that the case was “closed unless additional evidence comes to light”.
The Rugby Football Union said it was “deeply disappointed” by the decision not to charge Mbonambi and convene an independent disciplinary panel at which Curry could give evidence and answer questions.
“Everyone associated with this team shares that bitter disappointment at World Rugby’s decision,” added Borthwick.
South Africa face the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup final in Paris on Saturday from 20:00 BST, with Mbonambi free to take part.
Curry, 25, has suffered online abuse for reporting the incident, which England captain Owen Farrell described as “unacceptable”.
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.”
World Rugby said it was “concerned” by the online abuse both players had suffered. Organisers introduced technology intended to protect players, officials and coaches from abuse before the tournament.
“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,” a statement read.
The South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby) said it welcomed the decision that no further action will be taken.
“SA Rugby has absolute faith in the honesty and integrity of Bongi,” a statement read.
“Bongi Mbonambi is an experienced, respected and decorated Test player and, needless to say, denied the allegations from the outset,” a 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.”
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi says he has reached out to Curry and hopes the abuse will stop.
“I have spoken to him, I sent him a message,” Kolisi said.
“He is someone I respect. We can take it as players. When it comes to you, it’s fine, but when families are involved, it’s different.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.