Springbok Bongi Mbonambi is accused of using a racial slur against England player Tom Curry.
Images via Twitter:
@englandrugby/ @springboks
LISTEN: Will this audio clear Bok hooker Mbonambi?
Some audio has been released at the time when Bongi Mbonambi is alleged to have made a racial slur against England flank Tom Curry.
Springbok Bongi Mbonambi is accused of using a racial slur against England player Tom Curry.
Images via Twitter:
@englandrugby/ @springboks
On Sunday, it emerged that Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who is the Boks‘ frontline hooker and vice-captain, was alleged to have insulted Curry around the 28th minute of the game, with numerous reports suggesting the English flanker complained he had been called a “white c***”.
Audio has now been released around the time of the incident, although it is very difficult to hear what is being said.
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If you listen very carefully early on, it’s notable that it does sound like the word “kant” can be heard, but most likely in the context of referring to “side” as is the Afrikaans translation.
The alleged incident also occurs during the course of play, and not – for example – during a stop in play when such an insult would most likely be made.
Was this a case of ‘lost in translation’? Let us know by clicking on the ‘add comment’ button at the end of this article.
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Listen below and decide for yourself if you can hear what Mbonambi said:
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England had until 10:00 on Monday to lodge a complaint with the citing commissioner, and as it is, World Rugby released the following statement: “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.”
Mbonambi’s alleged actions fall under rule 9.12 of World Rugby’s regulations that relate to verbal abuse from players, with the low-end being a six-match suspension if found guilty.
However, it’s highly unlikely that the allegations against Mbonambi can be proven, with further action certainly unlikely.
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The Daily Telegraph reported that Curry approached New Zealand-born referee Ben O’Keeffe at the half-hour mark of the encounter to make the accusation against Mbonambi, who later stepped in as captain once Siya Kolisi had been replaced.
“Sir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?” Curry is heard asking O’Keeffe in audio from the match published by the UK publication.
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O’Keeffe apparently responded with: “Nothing, please” and “I’ll be on it”.
However, there’s no clear evidence of Mbonambi’s alleged slur, and after the match when Curry was asked about the incident, he said: “Yeah, it doesn’t need to be talked about”,” without providing further details.
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SA RUGBY STARTS INVESTIGATION
SA Rugby, the national rugby governing body in South Africa, on Sunday responded by confirming they are looking into the incident.
“We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence. We will engage with Bongi if anything is found to substantiate the claim,” an SA Rugby statement read.
