adminSOUTH AFRICA star Bongi Mbonambi is set to start in Saturday’s World Cup final against New Zealand.
That’s after World Rugby chiefs dismissed claims he racially abused Tom Curry in last weekend’s semi-final clash.
The England ace alleged that Mbonambi had called him a “white c**t” during South Africa’s dramatic narrow win. But World Rugby has cleared the way for Mbonambi to start this weekend’s final after saying there was “insufficient evidence” for Curry’s claim.
However, it noted the flanker made the allegation in good faith.
The Rugby Football Union says it is “deeply disappointed” by World Rugby’s decision — while also claiming Mbonambi racially abused Curry a YEAR ago as well.
They allege the South African made a racist comment to Curry in England’s 13-27 home loss in November 2022.
A lengthy statement read: “The RFU fully support Tom Curry in raising the racially abusive behaviour he experienced while playing for England against South Africa.
“During the match between England and South Africa on Saturday 21st October 2023, Tom Curry reported to the referee that he has 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 Autumn Test 2022. — The Sun
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