PARIS : South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi has been cleared to play in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final, World Rugby said on Thursday, after insufficient evidence was found that he used discriminatory language towards England flanker Tom Curry.
Mbonambi, the only specialist hooker in the Springbok squad as they prepare to face New Zealand in Paris, was investigated after Curry made the allegation during the first half of last weekend's semi-final, which South Africa won 16-15.
"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.World Rugby added that it accepted that Curry made the allegation in good faith,"and that there is no suggestion that the allegation was deliberately false or malicious."
England have subsequently highlighted online abuse aimed at the 25-year-old Curry as the review dragged on through the week.