RFU statement: Tom Curry and Bongi Mbonambi

The RFU have given its full support to England back row Tom Curry for raising the racially abusive behaviour he allegedly experienced when playing in last Saturday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final.

It was announced on Thursday that a World Rugby investigation had closed as they found insufficient evidence at this time to proceed with charges against Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi.

The statement read: “The RFU fully support Tom Curry in raising the racially abusive behaviour he experienced whilst playing for England against South Africa.

"During last Saturday's match between England and South Africa, Tom Curry reported to the referee that he had been racially abused by Mbongeni Mbonambi.

“The subsequent World Rugby investigation were informed by Tom Curry that he had also been the victim of the same abuse, from the same player, in the 2022 autumn Test. World Rugby have today announced their decision not to bring charges in respect of either incident.

“The RFU are deeply disappointed by the decision taken by World Rugby. The decision not to put the evidence before an independent disciplinary panel has denied the disciplinary process the opportunity to hear Tom Curry’s voice and to independently assess his account of these serious events, together with the other available evidence.

“In their continued full support of Tom, the RFU together with the England squad, condemn 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.

“Abuse of any kind is not acceptable and goes against the core values of rugby.

"It is important that it is safe and acceptable for everyone involved in rugby union to raise concerns, and the RFU continue to encourage everyone to report any unacceptable behaviour in the game.”

Despite the online abuse, Curry was named on Wednesday by England coach Steve Borthwick to start this Friday’s bronze medal match in Paris versus Argentina.

Mbonambi, meanwhile, was included on Thursday morning in the Springboks XV to start Saturday’s World Cup final versus New Zealand.