The RFU have reacted with fury after World Rugby announced that no charges will be made against Bongi Mbonambi for alleged racist abuse aimed at England flanker Tom Curry.

Within minutes of the global governing body confirming that there was insufficient evidence to take any action against the Springbok hooker, who Curry complained had called him a ‘white ****’ in the World Cup semi-final, the English union issued a strongly-worded statement. It demonstrated the mood of anger and outrage within the Red Rose set-up and RFU about the whole aftermath of the ugly episode last weekend – both the investigative process and the toxic social media backlash.

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 the match between England and South Africa on Saturday 21st October 2023, Tom Curry reported to the referee that he had been racially abused by Mbongeni (Bongi) 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. 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.

Tom Curry had reported the alleged comment to referee Ben O’Keeffe during the semi-final

The RFU alleged Curry was also abused by Mbonambi in an Autumn Nations match in 2022

‘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.’

This damning riposte from the RFU was released just minutes after World Rugby revealed that no action would be taken against Mbonambi due to a lack of evidence. In announcing as much, they sought to emphasise that Curry had acted appropriately in making his complaint.

Their statement read: ‘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 semi-final 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 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.

The RFU have given Curry their full support and criticised the decision to close the investigation

‘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.’

Mbonambi has been named to start for South Africa in the World Cup Final against New Zealand at the Stade de France on Saturday. Curry had already been included in the England line-up for the bronze final against Argentina at the same venue on Friday night.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi revealed that he has been in touch with Curry and expressed solidarity with him, despite the tensions arising from this saga. ‘I have spoken to him,’ he said. ‘I sent him a message. He is someone I respect.’

In reference to the vicious social-media campaign of abuse directed at Curry and his family, Kolisi added: ‘We can take it as players, when it comes to us directly it’s fine, but when it comes to your family it’s totally different and that’s exactly what he said to me. It’s the one part of the game we really don’t enjoy.

‘I hope obviously it stops and he was able to prepare as much as he could for the game that he’s playing tomorrow. I have let him know we are supporting him. We are thinking of him.’