England’s Tom Curry (right) and South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi (left). Photo: BackpagePix
UPDATE: Another bombshell allegation in Bongi ‘racial slur’ saga
A bombshell report suggests the alleged Bongi Mbonambi ‘racial slur’ incident is in fact being investigated from a game in November 2022.
England’s Tom Curry (right) and South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi (left). Photo: BackpagePix
*Note: This is an updated article on the latest information related to the Bongi Mbonambi saga
On Sunday, it emerged that Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi was alleged to have insulted England flank Tom Curry around the 28th minute of the game, with numerous reports suggesting the English flanker complained he had been called a “white c***”.
Since then, some audio clips have been doing the rounds at the time when Bongi Mbonambi is alleged to have made the racial slur, although it is very difficult to hear what is being said.
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It’s a story that has dominated headlines this week, with other reports suggesting World Rugby is investigating a separate ‘off the ball’ incident, with the UK’s Telegraph Sport suggesting “sources have told Telegraph Sport that the moment being investigated happened after Farrell’s kick had gone into touch and referee Ben O’Keeffe stopped play to come back for the penalty”.
Now, in yet another bombshell twist, esteemed South African rugby journalist Hendrik Cronje reports from France that the incident under investigation is in fact from November 2022 when the Springboks last played England before the World Cup, and NOT in the World Cup semi-final last weekend.
It raises a host of questions as to why Curry would have then complained to the on-field referee on Saturday, or why the complaint from England – and subsequent investigation – would only be taking place nearly a year later.
*Let us know what you think will come of this now quite bizarre saga by entering a comment at the end of this article.
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Listen below and decide for yourself if you can hear what Bongi 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.
