World Rugby formally investigates allegation of Bok's 'racist slur'
SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby confirmed that they have launched a formal investigation into the serious allegation of racism during the semifinal match between South Africa and England.
The Springbok stand-in captain Bongi Mbonambi has been accused of using a racial slur towards England flank Tom Curry.
Although the alleged slur is not audible on the ref mic, the London-based Telegraph on Sunday published an audio recording of Curry complaining to referee Ben O’Keeffe that Mbonambi called him a “white c—” during the Boks’ 16-15 World Cup semifinal win at Stade de France on Saturday.
According to the publication, the incident occurred just before the half-hour mark, with England leading 9-3.
Curry approached O’Keeffe, the New Zealand referee, and on the audio Curry can be heard saying: “Sir, Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c— what do I do?”
O’Keeffe replied: “Nothing, please.
“I will be on it.”
The World Rugby confirmed on Monday that they are formally looking into it.
The statement read: “World Rugby takes all allegations of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously.
“We can confirm that we are formally reviewing the allegation made by England’s Tom Curry in relation to the use of discriminatory language during the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final on Saturday.
“World Rugby will not be making further comment until the conclusion of the process.”
#⃣ICYMI A weekend of great entertainment spoiled by an ugly accusation 😡#Rugby 🏉#RugbyUnion🌏#RWC2023 🏆#RWCFinal 🏆
🔗https://t.co/BTt3lzEYqC— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) October 23, 2023
While the England camp has been mum about the incident, the South African Rugby Union told @rugby365com on Sunday they are investigating the allegation.
“We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously,” SARU told @rugby365com.
“We are reviewing the available evidence.
“We will engage with Bongi [Mbonambi] if anything is found to substantiate the claim.”
After the final whistle, Mbonambi and Curry also did not shake hands.
They have a bit of a history, with a video resurfacing of the two in a scuffle on the year-end tour match at Twickenham last November.
Following the game the Sale Sharks openside flank was asked in a media scrum about the incident between him and Mbonambi.
He admitted ‘something’ was said, but declined to elaborate.
“It does not need to be talked about,” he told a mixed-zone media briefing.
All Black assistant coach Scott McLeod told a media briefing on Monday that they did not know about the allegations and only heard about it on Monday morning.
“It will be a huge set-back if it is true and he is ruled out of the game.
‘It is something World Rugby will deal with. If anything comes of it, it will be a massive dent for them.
“He is a leader in their team. If Siya goes off, he becomes the captain. That would really impact them.”
This is Bongi Mbonambi singling out Tom Curry in the Autumn Nations series last year. These two have history 👀 #rugby #RSAvsENG #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/NL7fvIDdTY
— springbokbabyyy (@springbokbabyyy) October 22, 2023
