RFU chief weighs into Tom Curry-Felipe Contepomi bust-up after investigation launched
Tom Curry's tackle on Juan Cruz Mallia and RFU CEO Bill Sweeney.
Rugby Football Union chief executive Billy Sweeney insists that they are “fully” backing Tom Curry after his alleged altercation with Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi.
England defeated Los Pumas 27-23 on Sunday but there was a controversial end to the contest after the flanker’s late hit on Juan Cruz Mallia.
The Argentinians were angry with Curry’s actions, which left Mallia with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Allegations against Curry
Contepomi accused the forward of being a “bully” after claiming that he was shoved and told to “f*** off” by the Englishman.
It has been confirmed that the South Americans have officially complained to the relevant authorities and that an investigation has therefore been launched.
“We’re aware that Argentina have sent a letter in to Six Nations. We’re cooperating with Six Nations fully on a review in terms of any conversations that need to be had,” Sweeney told Sky Sports.
“So it wouldn’t be appropriate to talk on that process now. We back Tom fully. We know he’s got impeccable character, really high values and we respect him, more than respect him highly, so we’ll go through that process.”
There were reports of Contepomi arguing with England fans on the way down from the coaching box, while a scuffle broke out after the full-time whistle.
Curry then took himself away from matters on the field before the alleged incident occurred in the tunnel.
“It doesn’t happen hardly at all. Rugby is a contact sport, emotions run high. It was a really tight finish,” Sweeney said.
“Can I mention the Argentinians felt disappointed they weren’t able to close out for them and we were delighted that we were able to close out. So they don’t happen very often.
“When they do, we don’t want to see them happen, but it’s a tough emotional sport.”
R360 threat
Sweeney also addressed the R360 threat, which could provide a problem for unions around the world if it proves to be a success.
“We don’t focus on it too much. I mean, I think you can only manage and control what you can control,” he added.
“So we’re just focused on running the business side of things here. We’re focused on how do we continue to develop the women’s game and we want to make sure this is the best environment for women to play their rugby, both at the league level and international level and very similarly on the men’s side. So we can only focus on that.
“I haven’t heard anything further on R360. I haven’t heard any more facts or updates or status. So we’ll just continue to do what we do.
“I think we’ve said that and we came out, the eight unions came together and issued a statement really clarifying their policy on selection.
“And we don’t have the confirmed details or proof of funding or investment that’s supporting those monies. So we would urge caution.”
READ MORE: England legend claims Tom Curry ‘knows what he’s doing’ as Felipe Contepomi backlash rumbles on
