RFU chiefs have backed under-fire Tom Curry as the review into Sunday’s fracas with Argentina gets underway. Puma boss Felipe Contepomi accused the flanker of pushing him in the tunnel and labelled him a bully after England’s 27-23 win. The RFU confirmed they have shared CCTV footage of the tunnel incident with autumn international organisers – but threw their weight behind the Sale man.

Chief executive Bill Sweeney said: “We’re cooperating with the Six Nations fully on a review in terms of any conversations that need to be had. We back Tom fully, we know he’s got impeccable character, really high values and we respect him, more than respect him highly.”

There was also an on-pitch flashpoint, involving Puma players trying to get to Curry with Henry Pollock also involved. Sweeney added: “Rugby’s a contact sport, emotions run high. We don’t want to see them happen, but it’s a tough emotional sport.”

Sweeney also revealed the RFU were in no rush to lock down head coach Steve Borthwick into an extension of his current deal, that expires at the end of the 2027 World Cup, despite a run off 11 wins.

Stuart Lancaster signed a six-year contract a year before the disastrous 2015 tournament, which ended in his sacking, and Eddie Jones never made it to the end of his deal as he was dismissed in 2022.

“We haven’t had those conversations now, and we are not planning to in the foreseeable future,” said Sweeney. “His contract goes through to 2027. We are obviously delighted with the direction it is going in.”

Sweeney is also confident the RFU will get the go-ahead from Richmond Council to stage 15 extra non-rugby events a year, including concerts, and they won’t be moving from Twickenham. Previously, he had threatened to relocate to the Midlands or Wembley if they do not get permission for money-spinning gigs.

England flanker Curry’s challenge on full-back Juan Cruz Mallia ended with the Puma rupturing an ACL and caused ructions post-match. Contepomi, a decorated former international, was raging on Sunday evening.

He said: “I was standing there in the tunnel and he was coming and wanted to say hi to one of our coaches but we said no because we were upset. He was reckless and broke our player’s knee. I know it is rugby but if we don’t look after each other in rugby it could be dangerous.

“I am not happy with the situation, after breaking someone’s knee I think you need to be at least humble enough and respectful to say ‘Sorry I did something wrong’ but he went the opposite.”