World Rugby has found insufficient evidence to pursue Tom Curry’s allegation that he was racially abused by Bongi Mbonambi in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa.
The game’s global governing body announced that it has closed the case unless additional evidence comes to light, meaning the Springbok hooker will start in the World Cup final against New Zealand on Saturday night.
Curry alleged to referee Ben O’Keeffe in the second quarter of the Stade de France showdown that he had been racially abused by Springboks hooker Mbonambi.
In an unexpected development, World Rugby revealed that it had also been investigating an additional allegation arising from the rivals’ clash at Twickenham in November 2022.
A statement said: “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.
“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.” Skysports
