England press conference LIVE: Steve Borthwick says Tom Curry is a ‘victim who has not had his voice heard’ after World Rugby’s decision not to charge Bongi Mbonambi following racism claim

While we’re waiting for more comments from Steve Borthwick, let’s take a look at an opposing view put forward by some South African fans.

Some supporters believe Bongi Mbonambi had been misheard and may have been speaking in Afrikaans.

The Springboks often speak Afrikaans to hide their plans from opponents.

Their fans suggest the hooker may have been saying ‘wit kant’ – which translates to ‘white side’ – indicating the colour England were playing in on the day.

Read more below to learn about South Africa’s use of Africaans when playing rugby.

Steve Borthwick has addressed the RFU’s statement after World Rugby’s decision to not charge Bongi Mbonambi and said that Tom Curry is a ‘victim who has not had his voice heard’.

He said: ‘It is a pretty comprehensive statement. Little you can add to it.

‘The RFU has expressed great disappointment at World Rugby’s decision. That disappointment is shared by Tom, fellow players, and management.

‘Tom Curry has done nothing wrong. We have a victim of the situation who has not had his voice heard. That’s where disappointment comes.

‘Tom has been getting plenty of support throughout the situation.’

While we’re still waiting for Steve Borthwick’s press conference to start, let’s take a look at what he has already said on Tom Curry.

He did not directly address the allegations during World Rugby’s investigation, but did insist how ‘proud’ he was of his flanker after a difficult week – both physically and mentally.

‘I chatted to Tom early in the week, it was around how he is physically because the way Tom plays he has more involvements than any other player on the pitch. Everyone saw when I took him off on Saturday night, he was cut, bloodied. It’s another six-day turnaround.

“He looked straight at me and point blank said, ‘I am desperate to play on Friday night’. This is a guy who wants to play. There is no doubt in my mind. The way he has prepared himself has been incredible. That is Tom Curry. I couldn’t be more proud of him.

Tom Curry approached referee Ben O’Keeffe in the 28th minute of England’s 15-16 loss so South Africa at the Stade de France in the World Cup semi-final.

The Sale openside is heard to say over the ref mic: ‘Sir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white c**t, what do I do?’

O’Keeffe replied: ‘Nothing, please.’

The Springboks hooker was Bongi Mbonambi, who started the match and played the full 80 minutes, meaning no-one else occupied that position for the world champions throughout the game.

After the final whistle, there was a noticeable altercation between Curry and the 32-year-old Mbonambi, who appeared to refuse to shake the England forward’s hand and marched off down the tunnel.

World Rugby released a statement explaining why they have decided to drop the case against Bongi Mbonambi.

It read: ‘Any allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby, warranting a thorough investigation. Having considered all 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.’

For more of their statement, read the article linked in the post below.

World Rugby announced that no charges will be made against Bongi Mbonambi.

The global governing body confirmed that there was insufficient evidence to take any action against the Springbok hooker.

The RFU reacted with fury, saying: ‘The RFU fully support Tom Curry in raising the racially abusive behaviour he experienced whilst playing for England against South Africa.’

Read more below.

Steve Borthwick is due to address World Rugby’s decision not to charge Bongi Nbonambi after Tom Curry’s racism claim.

Earlier today, England released their line-up to face Argentina in the bronze final, which takes place at 8pm tomorrow.

Good afternoon and welcome to Mail Sport’s coverage of Steve Borthwick’s press conference.

The England boss is expected to address World Rugby’s decision not to charge Bongi Mbonambi after Tom Curry’s allegations of racism.

Curry claimed that the South African player called him a ‘white c***’ during England’s World Cup semi-final defeat against the Springboks.