World Rugby to review Tom Curry's claim of being called 'white c***'

 October 24, 2023

RFU lodges complaint after England flanker Tom Curry claimed he was called a ‘white c***’ by South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi – prompting an investigation by World Rugby

  • World Rugby has launched an investigation following Tom Curry’s claim
  • Curry claimed he was called a ‘white c***’ by South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi
  • But speculation is mounting that the hooker’s comments were lost in translation 
  • Latest Rugby World Cup 2023 news, including fixtures, live scores and results

World Rugby have launched an investigation into the Springboks ahead of the World Cup final after England flanker Tom Curry claimed he had been the victim of racial abuse.

Hooker Bongi Mbonambi is alleged to have made discriminatory comments during South Africa’s semi-final victory over England on Saturday night.

Curry approached referee Ben O’Keeffe in the 28th minute and was heard to say over the ref mic: ‘Sir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?’

An official investigation was launched on Monday lunchtime before the Springbok management defended Mbonambi’s character.

‘It is being dealt with by World Rugby and SA Rugby at the moment so from my side I can’t really comment on that. I focus on the scrums,’ said scrum coach Daan Human.

World Rugby have launched an investigation after Tom Curry (right) claimed Bongi Mbonambi (left) called him a ‘white c***’

South Africa’s Daan Human defended the character of Mbonambi during a press conference

‘He had perfect training this afternoon, had a good training and he is participating in training. 

‘Bongi has been part of this group of six years, he started in the last World Cup and he started in the semi-final so he is very important, like all the other players in our group.

‘He is one of the leaders in our group and a great, great guy. I know his kids, my kids always look after his kids when they come to the hotel.

‘He is very humble guy, very down to earth like the other players and they should be if they want to play for the Springboks. 

‘He is a calm guy, a very calm guy, well-spoken.’

Mail Sport understands that the RFU lodged a complaint with the tournament authorities, in relation to the alleged outburst by Mbonambi

Mail Sport understands that the RFU lodged a complaint with the tournament authorities, in relation to the alleged outburst by Mbonambi.

South Africa fans on social media have suggested that Mbonambi may have said in Afrikaans ‘wit kant’, meaning ‘white side’ in a reference to England’s shirts and where the ball was.

The Springboks have already lost hooker Malcolm Marx to injury and have two flankers – Deon Fourie and Marco van Staden – providing back up.

They face the All Blacks in Saturday night’s final and Human insisted he is happy with the team’s depth, adding: ‘We have three hookers in the group, three guys who are comfortable with playing hooker. If you go into a final you must have two hookers in the 23.’

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