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RWC 2023 NEWSFLASH

‘Insufficient evidence’ – Bok hooker Bongi Mbonambi cleared in racial slur saga

World Rugby investigated allegations of discriminatory language against Mbonambi, but with no further evidence, the matter is closed. It reiterated though that there's certainly no place for discrimination or abuse in rugby or society.
‘Insufficient evidence’ – Bok hooker Bongi Mbonambi cleared in racial slur saga Bongi Mbonambi during the Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool B match between South Africa and Tonga at Stade Velodrome on 1 October 2023 in Marseille, France. (Photo: Steve Haag / Gallo Images)
Daily Maverick Staff Reporter
By Daily Maverick Staff Reporter
26 Oct 2023
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A World Rugby statement 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.” DM

Comments (10)

Betsy Kuhn Oct 26, 2023, 12:18 PM

Hopefully next time Mr Curry will not be as sour..and think twice...all this is so unnecessary..especially for the Boks...maybe that is what they wanted, to upset the Boks...BUT It Blew up in there Faces, and we as STRONG as ever

Riaan Joubert Oct 26, 2023, 12:28 PM

I am still baffled by this incident. As far as I understand, the word used would not be considered as racists in South Africa. So good for world rugby. Maybe Tom Curry needed a Head Injury Assessment.

Pieter van de Venter Oct 26, 2023, 12:40 PM

Well, will IRB investigate Curry for targeting Bongi? Or will the IRB buy a Afrikaans->English dictionary for Curry. Due to Lord Milner's stance, there is obviously a shortage in England.

jcdville@gmail.co.za stormers Oct 26, 2023, 01:09 PM

World Rugby is a lot of old farts(England Captain Will Carling)Did this happen a year ago?Great timing.Would the complaint have surfaced if England won?

Peter Dexter Oct 26, 2023, 02:39 PM

No

Peter Dexter Oct 26, 2023, 02:42 PM

No. Curry would have been celebrating.

dirktgevers Oct 26, 2023, 01:41 PM

"Good faith"? Ludicrous. I hope we'll see more critical analysis on this from DM.

Matthew Quinton Oct 27, 2023, 07:31 AM

I grew up in Green Point, Cape Town. And "Wat er kant" I am. This whole debacle should have just been laughed off. Also... with all due respect, Curry is white and he is a bit of a k@nt. As an apparently white person myself, I don't find that to be classifiable as a racial slur, even though it had a totally different meaning it was still an accurate description.

brad@bassline.co.za Oct 27, 2023, 07:56 AM

It is more probable that curry attempted to push for Bongi to get a red card so England could get a competitive edge to win the game than anything else. It’s a win at all all costs , using racism is not surprising in a society where murdoch media runs the narrative. Hoping that Argentina win tonight. It’s not impossible.

Eddie B Oct 27, 2023, 08:14 AM

The English reaction almost reminds me of the local Human Rights Commission. Except the HRC's voracity and bravery is aimed at whites when something happens that might offend blacks. In addition to the available evidence, it is clear there was no intend here. Let's go Bokke!

chessfin@africa.com Oct 29, 2023, 11:05 AM

Bongi is the only one who knows if he did or didn't make the alleged comment or not.

chessfin@africa.com Oct 29, 2023, 11:06 AM

Benefit of the doubt to Curry who heard what he heard and assumed the worst. At best a language issue misinterpreted by Curry. Thumbs down to Steve Borthwick, who ignored the plausible explanation of the incident, and who went on national TV, coming across as if Bongi was guilty and decrying the official findings. Disgusting English gutter press and some social media posts from supporters of both sides of the issue.