26 October 2023 , 07:04
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English rugby bosses have blasted the decision of the sport’s governing body to close the investigation into Tom Curry’s claim a racial slur was aimed at him due to “insufficient evidence”.
The England star had reported that South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi called him a “white c***” early in the World Cup semi-final between the nations last weekend.
He subsequently informed World Rugby that he had also been the victim of the same abuse, from the same player, in the Autumn Test 2022.
A decision was not expected until after the tournament but this morning the World Rugby released their verdict just as the Springboks named Mbonambi to start against New Zealand in Saturday’s World Cup final.
The Rugby Football Union reacted furiously, saying they are “deeply disappointed” by the decision.
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“The decision not to put the evidence before an Independent Disciplinary Panel has denied the disciplinary process the opportunity to hear Tom Curry’s voice and to independently assess his account of these serious events, together with the other available evidence.”
World Rugby said they had undertaken a review both of that allegation - and another brought forward in recent days about a previous match in the Autumn Nations Series 2022.
Tom Curry immediately raised issues with the referee during the semi-finalThey insisted they take any allegation of discrimination “extremely seriously” but concluded: “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.”
World Rugby added that it accepted Curry made the allegations in good faith, and that “there is no suggestion that the allegation was deliberately false or malicious”.
(PA)They continued: “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.”
Curry will win his 50th cap for England in tomorrow’s Third Place play-off against Argentina, with the “continued full support” of the RFU.
The Union added: “The RFU together with the England Squad, condemn the disgusting abuse he 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.”