World Rugby confirm ruling over Tom Curry racial slur allegation against Bongi Mbonambi

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Following an investigation, World Rugby released a statement saying they won’t proceed with charges and that “the matter is deemed closed unless additional evidence comes to light”, which freed the path for Mbonambi to be selected as the Springboks’ starting hooker for Saturday evening’s clash with New Zealand. The statement said: “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. “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.” open image in gallery Tom Curry made the allegation during England’s World Cup semi-final defeat Curry had been the target of threats on social media after the allegations, with his club Sale Sharks saying they were “absolutely appalled” by the “nature and level” of abuse, while England captain Owen Farrell also slammed those sending the flanker abuse. As a rugby family, as much as we compete, we do support each other when things like this happen.” open image in gallery Siya Kolisi confirmed he had reached out to Tom Curry 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.