Rugby World Cup: South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi cleared to play final despite second England complaint

World Rugby has cleared South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi of using racist language towards Tom Curry during the World Cup semifinal, as well as a fresh second allegation, because of “insufficient evidence”.

The investigation found Curry made the allegation that Mbonambi called him a “white c***” in “good faith” and there was no suggestion this was “deliberately false or malicious”.

World Rugby also confirmed a second allegation was made by England this week in regards to last year’s match against the Springboks in November, during which there was an altercation between Curry and Mbonambi.

However, having undertaken a detailed review of all available evidence, including audio and video footage of the match, and taking submissions from both teams, the investigation concluded there was not enough evidence to warrant disciplinary proceedings against Mbonambi, who starts at hooker for South Africa in the World Cup final against New Zealand on Sunday.

World Rugby also noted with concern the level of abuse Mbonambi and Curry have received in recent days since the allegations first came to light on referee Ben O’Keefe’s microphone.

In a statement, World Rugby 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 semifinal on Saturday along with a further allegation brought forward in recent days about a previous match in the Autumn Nations Series 2022.

“Any allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby, warranting a thorough investigation. 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.

“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.

“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.”

The Springboks have made two changes to the starting XV that defeated England 16-15 in the World Cup semifinal with halfback Faf de Klerk and first five-eighth Handre Pollard both promoted to the team.

On the bench, South Africa have opted for a 7-1 split of forwards to backs with fullback Willie le Roux the only replacement back.