World Rugby has found insufficient evidence to pursue Tom Curry's allegation that he was racially abused by Mbongeni Mbonambi in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa.
The game’s global governing body announced that it has closed the case unless additional evidence comes to light.
Curry alleged to referee Ben O’Keeffe in the second quarter of the Stade de France showdown that he had been racially abused by Springboks hooker Mbonambi.
In an unexpected development, World Rugby revealed that it had also been investigating an additional allegation arising from the rivals’ clash at Twickenham in November.
The Rugby Football Union told the investigation that Curry "had also been the victim of the same abuse, from the same player, in the autumn Test 2022".
"Any allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby, warranting a thorough investigation," a World Rugby statement read.
"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."
The decision to close the investigation has drawn a furious response from the Rugby Football Union.
"The RFU fully supports Tom Curry," an RFU statement read. "The RFU is deeply disappointed by the decision taken by World Rugby."
"The decision not to put the evidence before an independent disciplinary panel has denied the disciplinary process the opportunity to hear Tom Curry’s voice and to independently assess his account of these serious events, together with the other available evidence.
"In their continued full support of Tom, the RFU together with the England squad, condemns the disgusting abuse he and his family has received on social media as a result of his having had the courage to put unacceptable behaviour that has no place in society or on the rugby field, in the public eye," the RFU statement added.
Mbonambi starts the World Cup final after being picked in the front row as the only established hooker in South Africa’s squad.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi revealed that he has been in contact with Curry to show his support in response to the online abuse to which the Sale flanker has been subjected.
"I have spoken to him, I sent him a message. He is someone I respect," Kolisi said.
"We can take it as players, when it comes to you it’s fine, but when families are involved it’s different. I have let him know we are supporting him, we are thinking of him."
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