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World Rugby\u2019s decision to close its investigation into the alleged racist slur directed at Tom Curry by Mbongeni Mbonambi due to insufficient evidence has drawn a furious response from the Rugby Football Union.<\/p>\n
Curry claimed to referee Ben O\u2019Keeffe in the second quarter of England\u2019s World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa on Saturday that he had been called a \u201cwhite c***\u201d by hooker Mbonambi.<\/p>\n
In an unexpected development, the RFU revealed that it disclosed to the inquiry that Curry \u201chad also been the victim of the same abuse, from the same player\u201d when the rivals clashed at Twickenham last November.<\/p>\n
World Rugby announced it has been unable to find evidence of either incident, but the RFU insists the case should have been presented to an independent disciplinary hearing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe RFU fully supports Tom Curry in raising the racially abusive behaviour he experienced. The RFU is deeply disappointed by the decision taken by World Rugby,\u201d an RFU statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe decision not to put the evidence before an independent disciplinary panel has denied the disciplinary process the opportunity to hear Tom Curry\u2019s voice and to independently assess his account of these serious events, together with the other available evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n
The saga has overshadowed the build-up to Friday\u2019s bronze final between England and Argentina and the final between New Zealand and South Africa 24 hours later.<\/p>\n
Curry will win his 50th cap when he lines up against the Pumas, despite facing extensive online abuse since his allegation against Mbonambi was picked up by the ref mic during the 16-15 defeat by the world champions.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn their continued full support of Tom, the RFU together with the England squad, condemns 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,\u201d the RFU statement added.<\/p>\n
World Rugby began looking into the incident on Monday having received an official complaint from the RFU.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby, warranting a thorough investigation,\u201d a World Rugby statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, the matter is deemed closed unless additional evidence comes to light.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorld Rugby is also concerned by the social media abuse that both players have been subjected to this week.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no place in rugby or society for discrimination, abuse or hate speech, and World Rugby urges fans to embrace the sport\u2019s values of respect, integrity\u00a0and\u00a0solidarity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mbonambi starts the World Cup final after being picked in the front row as the only established hooker in South Africa\u2019s squad.<\/p>\n
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi revealed that he has been in contact with Curry to show his support in response to the online abuse to which the Sale flanker has been subjected.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have spoken to him, I sent him a message. He is someone I respect,\u201d Kolisi said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can take it as players, when it comes to you it\u2019s fine, but when families are involved it\u2019s different. I have let him know we are supporting him, we are thinking of him.\u201d<\/p>\n