England’s Tom Curry receives full backing of RFU boss Bill Sweeney after row with Argentina coach

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has robustly defended Tom Curry following his altercation with Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi, insisting the England flanker’s “impeccable character” should not be in question as Six Nations launches a review into the incident.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Sweeney confirmed that “Argentina have sent a letter in to Six Nations” and that the RFU is “cooperating fully on a review in terms of any conversations that need to be had”.

However, the 61-year-old stressed that “we back Tom fully,” adding: “We know he’s got impeccable character, really high values and we respect him highly.”

Footage showed tension between both camps in the tunnel, with a minor scuffle also taking place at full-time between both sets of players.

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Bully

Curry was accused of shoving the Argentina boss, who described the 27-year-old as a ‘bully’, but Sweeney was keen to play down concerns over rugby’s image.

The RFU boss instead described the scenes as an emotional by-product of a fiercely competitive encounter.

“It doesn’t happen hardly at all, and rugby’s a contact sport — emotions run high,” he said. “It was a really tight finish.

“The Argentinians felt disappointed they weren’t able to close out for them, and we were delighted we were able to close out. We don’t want to see them happen, but it’s a tough emotional sport.”

Confidence in Borthwick

The RFU boss was full of praise for England’s remarkable turnaround under Steve Borthwick, with Sunday’s 27-23 victory marking 11 wins in a row.

It represents a stark contrast to 12 months ago, when sections of supporters questioned whether the head coach was the right man for the job.

“We never felt that Steve was under pressure to the point where it’d be a difficult situation,” Sweeney said.

“There was always faith and confidence. The team went through an extensive process to appoint him and we had every confidence in his capability. He’s proving that now.”

While there have been no discussions yet over extending Borthwick’s contract beyond the 2027 World Cup, Sweeney made clear that the RFU is delighted with the “direction of travel” and the side’s growing consistency.

Title expectations

England will enter 2026 pushing for a first Six Nations title since 2020, and Sweeney acknowledges the ambition inside the camp.

“It’d be fantastic,” he said. “You’re never as bad as people say you are, and you’re also never as good as you are.

“Steve keeps talking about the potential for this team and where it can go, and he and the coaching team are focused on how much of that potential we can realise.”

Sweeney also reiterated his confidence that the RFU will resolve its stand-off with Richmond Council over long-term redevelopment plans, saying he remains optimistic Twickenham will continue to be England’s home.

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