World Rugby have confirmed that they’re reviewing a racism allegation made by England star Tom Curry towards South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi in the course of the Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat to the Springbok on Saturday. Curry was overheard talking to referee Ben O’Keeffe concerning the alleged slur in the course of the match.
Curry spoke to the person within the center O’Keeffe within the twenty eighth minute and was overheard on the microphone saying: “Sir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?” The official replied: “Nothing, please”, earlier than including: “I will be on it.”
The pair did not shake palms after the full-time whistle, when Mbonambi’s facet sealed their place within the remaining to face New Zealand after a late penalty ensured the 16-15 win.
A World Rugby assertion launched on Monday morning learn: “World Rugby takes allegations of discriminatory behaviour extraordinarily severely. We are able to affirm that we’re formally reviewing the allegation made by England’s Tom Curry in relation to the usage of discriminatory language in the course of the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final on Saturday. World Rugby won’t be making any additional remark till the conclusion of the method.”
Curry and Mbonambi refused to shake palms after taking place the tunnel on the Stade de France, and whereas talking after the sport the England man confirmed that an incident occurred however refused to elaborate additional on the main points.
“No. It doesn’t have to be talked about. I’m not speaking about it now,” Curry mentioned within the aftermath of the sport after replying: “Yeah” when requested if one thing occurred between the flanker and Mbonambi.
England boss Steve Borthwick additionally declined to touch upon the matter as World Rugby initially set a 36-hour deadline for the incident to be reported, which they’re now investigating.
On Sunday, South Africa forwards coach Deon Davids admitted that he was not conscious of any allegations in direction of his participant. “I’m not conscious of that,” he mentioned. “I’m not conscious of any remark, if it was mentioned, I’m undecided what the remark was or when it was mentioned. I don’t know.”
South Africa Rugby swiftly launched an announcement after: “We’re conscious of the allegation, which we take very severely, and are reviewing the obtainable proof. We’ll interact with Bongi if something is discovered to substantiate the declare.”
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