SA Rugby issue 120-word statement on Bongi Mbonambi findings

SA Rugby have welcomed the drawing to a close of the World Rugby investigation into Bongi Mbonambi in a 120-word statement. The union have said they had absolute faith in Mbonambi’s version of events from the outset.

World Rugby’s decision to close its investigation into the alleged racist slur directed at Tom Curry by Mbonambi due to insufficient evidence broke this morning.

Curry claimed to referee Ben O’Keeffe in the second quarter of England’s World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa on Saturday that he had been called a “white c***” by hooker Mbonambi.

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In an unexpected development, the RFU revealed that it disclosed to the inquiry that Curry “had also been the victim of the same abuse, from the same player” when the rivals clashed at Twickenham last November.

World Rugby announced it has been unable to find evidence of either incident, but the RFU insists the case should have been presented to an independent disciplinary hearing.

Unlike the RFU, SA Rugby welcomed the findings.

“SA Rugby has noted World Rugby’s announcement concerning their investigation into an incident arising from the Rugby World Cup semi-final and welcomes the decision that no further action will be taken.

“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.”

The RFU have alleged that Mbonambi had made a similar slur last year during the Autumn Nations Series.

“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 2022 autumn Test. World Rugby have today announced their decision not to bring charges in respect of either incident,” read their statement this morning, which you can read in full in the below link.

additional reporting PA