Complaint Bongi Mbonambi called Tom Curry a ‘white c***’ to be investigated by World Rugby

Allegations that South African hooker Bongi Mbonambi called England’s Tom Curry a ‘white c***’ have resulted in World Rugby launching an investigation into the matter.

Siya Kolisi of South Africa clashes with Tom Curry of England during the Rugby World Cup. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

World Rugby has responded to a complaint from the RFU and launched an investigation into allegations that Bongi Mbonambi called Tom Curry a “white c***” in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa.

The Springboks, who play New Zealand in Saturday’s World Cup final in Paris, have not issued a denial of the allegation. They are cooperating with World Rugby’s investigations, via their legal team out in France. Mbonambi, meanwhile, remains in full training with the team.

“World Rugby takes all allegations of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously,” the governing body said in a statement. “We can confirm that we are formally reviewing the allegation made by England’s Tom Curry’s in relation to the use of discriminatory language during the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final last Saturday.” The review was announced after the window for the independent citing commissioner to bring any disciplinary charges from the game expired yesterday (Monday) morning.

Bongi Mbonambi. Picture: AFP

After 23 minutes of Saturday’s game Curry, the England flanker, approached the referee, Ben O’Keeffe, and said: “Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?”

The referee replied: “Nothing, please.” After a pause, he said: “I’ll be on it,” although it is unclear whether that was a comment to Curry or a reply to an off-mic inquiry from another player. World Rugby is at the evidence- gathering stage and would hope to have the process dealt with in the next 24 hours and certainly before the final.

If no evidence is found to support the allegation, then the review could be a relatively quick process. But the issue has the potential to derail South Africa’s planning. If the incident leads to disciplinary action, Mbonambi would be in danger of a ban under law 9.12: “a player must not verbally abuse anyone”. The recommended entry point is six games.

Mbonambi, who finished the game as South Africa captain, appeared to refuse to shake Curry’s hand after his side had snatched a 16-15 victory.

Tom Curry (C). Picture: Getty Images

While the Springboks would not comment on the allegation while the investigation is ongoing, they also did not deny it outright. “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,” South Africa’s scrum coach Daan Human said.

Human did speak glowingly about Mbonambi’s character. “He had perfect training this afternoon,” Human said. “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. He is very humble, very down to earth like the other players and they should be if they want to play for the Springboks. He is a very calm guy, well-spoken.”

The All Blacks defence coach Scott McLeod said if Mbonambi is banned it would have a big effect on South Africa. “It would be a massive dent for them. He is a leader of their team,” McLeod said. “When Siya [Kolisi] goes off, he becomes the captain so I imagine it would impact them.”

Mbonambi (L) and England's captain Owen Farrell (C) speak with New Zealander referee Ben O'Keeffe (R) during the Rugby World Cup semi-final match between England and South Africa. Picture: AFP

The Springboks are set to name their team for the final on Thursday, with Mbonambi the only full-time hooker in the squad. Malcolm Marx started their first game of the tournament, against Scotland, at No 2 but was injured in that match and the management team chose not to call up a specialist replacement. Deon Fourie was picked by the Springboks as a utility forward, having started his career as a hooker before switching to flanker, and has been used off the bench in both roles. Their third hooking option is Marco van Staden, who is even more of a part-timer in the position. Teams are not allowed to replace players in the squad who are banned.

World Rugby’s regulations outlaw abuse that includes, but is not limited to, comments regarding “religion, colour, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation”.

In South Africa it has been speculated that Mbonambi may have said “wit kant” or “white kant” (Afrikaans for “white side") to identify the English team by their jersey colour.

Originally published as Complaint Bongi Mbonambi called Tom Curry a ‘white c***’ to be investigated by World Rugby