Johannesburg – Springbok hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi is off the hook after World Rugby said it found insufficient evidence to act on allegations that he used a racist slur against England flanker Tom Curry in the 2023Workd Cup semi-final.
World Rugby said in a statement Thursday: “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.”
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The World Rugby move means that Mbonambi can play for SA in the World Cup final against New Zealand on Saturday.
“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,” the World Rugby statement said.
“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.”
