Bongi Mbonambi: What next for case against Bok hooker

It seems that England are not quite ready to let the Bongi Mbonambi issue lie despite World Rugby’s ruling on the matter.

World Rugby dismissed its review of the case due to a lack of evidence.

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South Africans have taken this to mean that the incident didn’t happen given the sheer number of video angles and audio recordings available.

However, England have vowed to take the case further in their statement in response to the ruling.

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RFU STATEMENT ON BONGI MBONAMBI RULING

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

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.”

WHAT NEXT

If England want to take the matter further they will need to either lodge an appeal with World Rugby, take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, or proceed with separate legal proceedings.

It is unclear at this stage how the RFU will proceed or if they will take up any of the options above.