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Rassie Erasmus makes subtle 'X' account change in light of Mbonambi probe
By Ian Cameron
South Africa director of rugby and Twitter impresario Rassie Erasmus has made a not particularly subtle change to his profile in light of news that Bongi Mbonambi won’t face charges over an alleged racial slur.
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England flanker Tom Curry claimed to referee Ben O’Keeffe in the second quarter of England’s World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa on Saturday that he had been called a “white c***” by hooker Mbonambi.
This morning World Rugby confirmed that the matter would not be pursued due to a lack of evidence.
“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,” said World Rugby in a statment. “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.”
World Rugby said that they accept Tom Curry made the claims in good faith.
Now Rassie Erasmus – who is known to be a pretty hot account on Twitter or X as it is now known – decided to make his Twitter head picture an image of Mbonambi.
Subtle Rassie, subtle! On a side note, Erasmus is currently not following any account on Twitter, although he had been in the habit of just following his side’s next opponents in the lead-up to match-day. Erasmus is yet to follow the All Blacks account, however, which may or may not be more mind games.
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Earlier SA Rugby released a statement in which they welcomed the results of World Rugby’s investigation into the incident.
“Bongi Mbonambi is an experienced, respected and decorated Test player and, needless to say, denied the allegations from the outset. SA Rugby has absolute faith in the honesty and integrity of Bongi,” the union said. “The team’s focus remains, as it has throughout the week, on Saturday’s match against New Zealand. SA Rugby will make no further comment on the matter.”
additional reporting PA
Another incident swept under the carpet,shame on you world rugby,it's a kangaroo court decision,imo.
Love it how bad sportsmanship the English are. They’re never happy. Always have something to complain about when it doesn’t go their way. I so hope they get their arses kicked by Argentina tonight. GO ARGENTINA
This is rubbish journalism. Every one carrying on like.ot a fact bongi said these things. Nothing wrong with Rassie choosing bongi on twitter profile. Please try write about things that actually matter.
I've been called Irish c*nt on a few occasions…I take it as a compliment…I cannot understand why TC would report that to the ref. If Bongi really said that, then why did he say it, maybe he had a reason for him to act so out of character in his 3rd language but if he actually said that which I doubt & if that really bothered TC, better to say nothing anyway as if it continued it might picked up by ref. Telling on him was embarrassing for TC & English rugby. Good a player as he is, Sexton has embarrassed Ireland with his ref antics in the past but I don’t even think he’d be reporting that!
Couple of weeks ago,Gatland was convinced that the southern hemisphere, would not be in the semi finals.Let it be known,the game of Rugby, can be unpredictable.Jusy look at what happened to Wales.
Yeah,the Boks don't do well in the wet.ALB will be even more slippery.But who will kick better in the wet?
I really like the Rugby Pass website, comments are open on every article so we can all talk about things like the weather.
I want a clear Sky on Saturday night for the Rugby World Cup final that is happening between South Africa and New Zealand. Though I feel a wet night will favour New Zealand as side more experienced and better equipped for those conditions.
I really enjoy a nice sports spectacle with action shots, good discussions and fan involvement. Even the now-and-then silly jokes. But this article is just a load of crap that does not interest an adult audience. Sadly, this website is full of this k@k.
Maybe England should stick to bowls as it does not seem they can play rugby or cricket😂
Black privilege