France’s captain, Antoine Dupont, asserts that Tom Curry should issue an apology to Bongi Mbonambi.
Dupont’s statement comes in response to World Rugby’s ruling, which concluded that there was no substantiated evidence of racial abuse during the Rugby World Cup semi-final and the November 2022 International match between England and the Springboks.
“I knew this was the case all along. Bongi is a great guy. I really think an apology should be given over this,” Dupont wrote in an Instagram comment.
World Rugby considers the matter closed.
Their statement reads: “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.”
Sam Warburton’s World Cup predictions aren’t very impressive in hindsight
Former Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton has ventured four daring forecasts for the 2023 World Cup, including his projection for the ultimate champion.
Regrettably for the retired flanker, his predictions failed to hit the mark.
#1. World Cup winner
Warburton wrote: “France. It will take a mammoth performance to beat them on home soil in what will be a carnival-like experience every game that they play.”
What happened:In the quarter-finals, they were eliminated from the tournament by South Africa, who ultimately emerged as the tournament champions. Nevertheless, it was an extraordinary display of skill and determination as Warburton predicted!