England’s Tom Curry has accused South African opponent Bongi Mbonambi of racially abusing him during the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup semi-final win, it has been revealed.
The incident reportedly happened 30 minutes into South Africa’s emotional 16-15 win over England at the Stade de France in France.
With England leading 9-3, Currie approached referee Ben O’Keefe and made the claim.
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“Sir, sir, what do I do if their whore calls me a white guy?” Curry is heard asking into the referee’s microphone.
“Don’t do anything,” O’Keefe replied.
He is then heard saying: “I’ll look into it”, but given that he took no action against Mbonambi, it is unclear whether this is related to the accusation or something else.
The insults themselves could not be heard, only what Curry remembered.
After the match, Mbonambi refused to shake Curry’s hand and when the Englishman asked if he had said anything he shouldn’t have said, he replied “yes”.
But he added, without going into details, “there’s no need to talk about it.”
World Rugby was unable to comment on the claim due to a 36-hour protest period after the match, during which England were able to lodge a protest.
South Africa striker coach Deon Davids was asked about the incident on Sunday and said: “I am not aware of that and if there was any discussion I am not aware of any mention of it.
“I’m not sure what that comment was or when it was said. I don’t know.”
Mbonambi is South Africa’s only dedicated hooker and it would be a huge blow if he were suspended and misses the World Cup final against New Zealand.
