World Rugby Rule on Review of Mbongeni Mbonambi, He is Cleared!

Photo Credit: World Rugby

Mbongeni “Bongi” Mbonambi has been cleared after allegations were made against him for the use of discriminatory language – A win for the Springboks!

South Africa (26 October 2023) – Mbongeni “Bongi” Mbonambi made all the headlines this past week after allegations were made that he had used discriminatory language against England’s Tom Curry. The matter was reviewed by World Rugby and found that there was insufficient evidence to confirm the allegation.

Bongi was cleared of any wrong-doing in a statement by World Rugby and fans were urged to “embrace the sport’s values of respect, integrity and solidarity.”

This is a big win for South Africa in the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup final. Now the Springboks can focus fully on what lies ahead this weekend!

You can read the full statement below:

“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 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. 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.

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.”