Steve Borthwick insists an ongoing investigation over alleged 'white ****' slur made by South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi is 'not a Tom Curry issue'... as captain Owen Farrell slams abuse directed at the

England head coach Steve Borthwick and captain Owen Farrell have hit out at abuse directed to Tom Curry as an investigation continues into a complaint made by the flanker during their semi-final loss to South Africa. Tom Curry alleged that Bongi Mbonambi called him a 'white c***' in the World Cup semi-final Steve Borthwick insisted World Rugby's investigation should not be seen as a 'Tom Curry issue' Captain Owen Farrell blasted online abuse aimed at Curry since he made the allegation 'From my point of view Tom Curry’s preparation this week has been the ultimate professional,' Borthwick said at a pre-match press conference. They wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Sale Sharks' owners, players, coaches and staff are absolutely appalled by the nature and level of disgusting abuse directed at Tom Curry and his family in relation to an incident in the England v South Africa World Cup semi-final. 'We can confirm that we are formally reviewing the allegation made by England's Tom Curry in relation to the use of discriminatory language during the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final on Saturday.