Bongi cleared! World Rugby finds 'insufficient evidence' in racism allegation

PARIS. -  World Rugby has absolved Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi of the racial slur allegation that was levelled at him by England flank Tom Curry in last Saturday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final, citing insufficient evidence to take the matter forward.

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Mbonambi was accused by Curry of calling him "a white c***" during South Africa's 16-15 win over England at the Stade de France last Saturday.

The matter was taken up by World Rugby in the form of a formal review, something they announced on Monday, which had put Mbonambi at risk of not being able to front up for Saturday's Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks.

The exoneration paved the way for Mbonambi to start at hooker in a match-day 23 that features a seven-one bench split.

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In a statement, World Rugby said their fight against discrimination will continue and the players need to be protected from social media abuse.

"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," the statement said.

"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."

Springbok team:

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi