England ‘disappointed’ Mbonambi has been cleared of racial slur

The Rugby Football Union says it is “deeply disappointed” that South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi has been cleared of a racial slur and will play in Saturday’s World Cup final.

Mbonambi — the only specialist hooker in the Springbok squad — was alleged to have addressed the slur at England’s Tom Curry in South Africa’s 16-15 victory in the semi-final last week.

However, having investigated Curry’s claim that Mbonambi called him “a white (followed by an expletive)”, World Rugby on Thursday declared the matter “closed”.

“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,” rugby’s global governing body said in a statement.

“Therefore, the matter is deemed closed unless additional evidence comes to light.”

‘Great disappointment’

Their decision sparked a furious reaction from the RFU, who claimed Mbonambi had aimed the same slur at back row forward Curry in a Test match between the countries last November.

“The RFU expressed great disappointment at World Rugby’s decision and that disappointment is shared by Tom, his teammates, the management team and everyone associated with this team,” England head coach Steve Borthwick told reporters.

“Let’s be clear Tom Curry has done nothing wrong.

“We have got a victim of a situation who has not been able to have his voice heard and that by World Rugby’s decision they have denied the victim of the situation, Tom Curry, to have his voice heard.

“That’s where the disappointment really comes in.”

‘Integrity of Bongi’

South Africa Rugby welcomed the decision and stood 100 percent by their man.

“Bongi Mbonambi is an experienced, respected and decorated Test player and, needless to say, denied the allegations from the outset,” they said in a statement.

“SA Rugby has absolute faith in the honesty and integrity of Bongi.”

Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber said the issue had not affected him and the squad.

“We were shielded from it, we were in our bubble. For us we focused on rugby and that was taken care of in the background,” he said at the press conference following the team announcement on Thursday.

‘Disgusting abuse’

The decision was not the only matter the RFU was furious about.

Curry, who four years ago was in the England team that lost to a South Africa side including Mbonambi in the World Cup final in Japan, has been bombarded with “disgusting” abuse on social media.

The RFU said it condemned “the disgusting abuse (Curry) 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, who will play in Friday’s third place play-off against Argentina, received support from Springboks captain Siya Kolisi.

“I have spoken to him, I sent him a message,” Kolisi said at Thursday’s press conference.

“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.

“I have let him know we are supporting him, we are thinking of him.”