England player Tom Curry accused South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi of racial abuse during the Rugby World Cup semi-final in France, but World Rugby dropped the case because there was insufficient evidence.

Tom Curry and Bongi MbonambiPhoto: Aaron Favila/AP/Profimedia

>> CM Rugby scandal – victim of racist attack, non-black player

There is insufficient evidence that Bongi Mbonambi insulted Tom Curry

Curry says Mbonambi called him a “white bastard” (neither address can be reproduced verbatim). It allegedly happened in the 23rd minute and the Englishman asked referee Ben O’Keeffe what he should do. The New Zealander’s response was: “Nothing, please. I will keep an eye on him…”

Mbonambi refused to shake Tom Curry’s hand at the end of the match, won by South Africa 16-15.​

“World Rugby has launched an investigation into allegations by England player Tom Curry about the use of discriminatory language by South African player Mbongeni Mbonambi during Saturday’s Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final between England and South Africa, as well as another allegation made days earlier compared to the previous match of the 2022 Autumn Nations Series .

World Rugby takes any allegations of discrimination very seriously and requires a thorough investigation. After reviewing all available evidence, including match footage, audio recordings and evidence from both teams, the governing body decided that there was insufficient evidence at this time to bring charges. Therefore, the case is considered closed, unless additional evidence appears.

It is important to note that World Rugby accepts that Tom Curry made these allegations in good faith and that there is no suggestion that these allegations were deliberately false or malicious.

World Rugby is also concerned about the social media abuse both players have suffered this week. There is no place for discrimination, abuse or hate speech in rugby or in society, and World Rugby calls on fans to embrace the sport’s values ​​of respect, integrity and solidarity.” World Rugby.

>> Rugby World Cup 2023: the three-time world champion has reached the final

>> CM Rugby 2023: The reigning champions dramatically qualified for the finals after an impressive comeback

Rugby World Cup 2023, finals schedule

  • Friday, October 27, 10:00 p.m

Small final: England – Argentina

  • Saturday, October 28, 10 p.m

Grand final: South Africa – New Zealand.

Who eventually won the Rugby World Cup

New Zealand (1987, 2011, 2015)

South Africa (1995, 2007, 2019)

Australia (1991, 1999)

England (2003).