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World Rugby statement: The Bongi Mbonambi investigation has ended
By Liam Heagney
Bongi Mbonambi is free to play for the Springboks in this Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final versus New Zealand after an investigation into allegations that he used discriminatory language in last weekend’s semi-final win over England found there was insufficient evidence to proceed with charges.
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A statement read: “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 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.
“World Rugby is also concerned by the social media abuse that both players have been subjected to this week. There is no place in rugby or society for discrimination, abuse or hate speech, and World Rugby urges fans to embrace the sport’s values of respect, integrity and solidarity.”
Mbonambi was named in the Springboks team for the final when it was announced on Thursday, Jacques Niebaber making two changes elsewhere in his starting team following the 16-15 semi-final win over England.
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Both alterations are at half-back where Handre Pollard and Faf de Klerk, two of last weekend’s replacements, have been named to start. Neither Manie Libbok nor Cobus Reinach are involved in the match day 23 as the Springboks have gone with a seven/one forwards/backs split on their bench.
Surprised at the changes, is it going to be raining saturday night? Smart by SA to get ahead of the curve and not trying to be chasing the game again.
Happy it ended this way. From the beginning, Curry’s attempt reeked of provocation, as much as Farrell’s full match attitude. Moreover, if infield words actually counted, Marler would not be touching an oval ball since a lot of time.
Pity it ended with world rugby and the RU issuing contradictory statements.
Looks like a fudge to me.
This statement from RU is so crap. Note the use of the term ‘ racially abusive behaviour he experienced’
That shyte is called rhetorical shittrickery and goes back all the way to Athens. Utterly appalling from the RU.
The RFU also released a statement following World Rugby’s confirmation that they wouldn’t press charges and said they were “deeply disappointed” by the decision.
“The RFU fully support Tom Curry in raising the racially abusive behaviour he experienced whilst playing for England against South Africa,” said the statement.
Yeah yeah f right off.
This is the kind of accusation that follows you everywhere. If untrue, I imagine it will have a profound impact on the player, in the long-term. It is not enough to state ‘lack of evidence‘ as a reason, without fully and clearly exonerating the player. Especially when you consider they went the further step of assuring the integrity of Curry’s allegation.
The player? Don't you mean both players? Being clear?? Is that what the RU statement is? Looks like the RU going back for afters to me
Making a false allegation against a vulnerable black man born into apartheid, when the accuser is white and wealthy and from a powerful nation, should probably be a hate crime, but I’m sure Curry’s intentions were pure and noble. That said, no person in their right mind considers being called a white C “racial abuse.” Can safely say you’d never see this from the ABs, we’d probably just laugh it off.
JL stop talking rubbish please. Black or white racism is racism. Curry would not lie. No reason for it and definitely not in his character. Bongi either said it and shame on him if he did or Curry misheard his accent.
Why not? Vulnerable? Why is he vulnerable?
It seems like an effort to whitewash Curry.
His ‘Sir sir’ makes him look like a utter Pratt trying to milk a penalty. The RU have just made it all worse with their bs statement for the boys…
A lot of the SAFFAS are justly unhappy with this outcome. Curry just chucked a hand grenade and Bongi’s character has been maligned. Quite remarkable that WR even sought fit to investigate this in the week leading up to a final. That said, a delicious distraction for the ABs!
Whilst as a Saffa I am glad that this is seemingly over- this is a a display of double standards by World Rugby. It has found that there is insufficient evidence as opposed to exonerating Bongi. It has gone out of its way to protect the reputation of Curry. I make no comment on Curry’s motivation to bring this to the referee’s attention sometime after play ended- what outcome was he hoping for? Nor do I make a comment about how suddenly there are new allegations about a match in 2022, which now suddenly comes to the fore. But i do ask the question, what about Bongi’s reputation? World Rugby’s equivocal stance and their leaning towards protecting Curry reveals a bias in my view. That being said I am so glad that we are playing the final against an opponent who have integrity and who always conduct themselves in the best spirit of the game. Whilst I am ardently hoping for a Bok win- if it is not is then I am happy that it is the All Blacks.
I say this respectfully here, but what did Tom Curry did, and that includes the RFU, is unacceptable. SA is a racial hot bed and I have a feeling they know that and sought to exploit it in the game.
Agreed chap. It's a bit of a slap in the face of Bongi. Full exoneration should have been their only option.
We won't even begin to discuss the irony of an English public school tosser claiming racial prejudice, or his soccer-player whinge about being allegedly called a “naughty” word…
Hey was op die regte kant
English please if you want a decent convo
I think we need to hear Currie’s Kant of the story.
🏉👋🏉🏆