Rugby World Cup: Tom Curry subject of social media abuse over ‘white c*nt’ allegation

England rugby star Ben Curry has been subject to a torrent of abuse over his claim that he was called a ‘white c*nt’ by a South African opponent at the World Cup.

Siya Kolisi of South Africa clashes with Tom Curry of England during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and South Africa at Stade de France. Picture: Getty Images

England are rallying round Tom Curry after he received threats and racial abuse on social media for alleging that the South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi called him a “white c***” at the World Cup.

Curry, 25, approached the referee Ben O’Keeffe in the first half of England’s 16-15 semi-final defeat by the Springboks on Saturday, saying, “Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?”

O’Keeffe replied, “Nothing, please.”

World Rugby is investigating the matter, and was still gathering evidence last night, having received a complaint from the RFU on Monday. The governing body has taken submissions from both the England and South Africa teams.

While World Rugby wants a quick resolution before South Africa face New Zealand in the World Cup final on Saturday night, it is unclear whether a verdict is imminent as investigators meticulously trawl through footage to either prove or disprove the claim.

Curry has become the subject of abuse on social media since the news of his allegation became public on Sunday. He has been racially abused and called a “white c***”, labelled a racist and been told he is a liar, while others have threatened violence against him.

‘Wyd kant’ or ‘wit kant’, I reckon it’s one of those two. (White/wide side).

It could be a trigger call on defence and Bongi Mbonambi shouts it more than once.

This is best audio of the incident I’ve seen/heard.

🎥 @CapeSaakie#RWC2023pic.twitter.com/tZLNqzXpaP

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) October 23, 2023

One user on X, formerly Twitter, from Johannesburg, wrote, “Tom Curry must never set foot in South Africa, ever”.

Others have called him a “doos” or a “poes” on social media, derogatory phrases in Afrikaans. Curry has turned off the comments on his Instagram account to try to stop the tide of abuse.

England play Argentina in the third-place play-off on Friday, and the management and players are supporting Curry while the investigation into Mbonambi continues.

“Tom is good. He’s obviously been thrown into it but he’s a very, very impressive young man,” Richard Wigglesworth, England’s attack coach, said. “The other players will have got round him and the management team have been all over it. I’m sure he’s getting every bit of the support that he needs.”

Siya Kolisi of South Africa clashes with Tom Curry of England during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and South Africa at Stade de France. Picture: Getty Images

Ben Earl, Curry’s back-row partner, added: “Tom’s a brilliant teammate, a brilliant friend of mine. He’s also an incredibly resilient guy. He gives his all for the team and I know he is going to be doing that this weekend. I hope it all gets resolved very quickly.”

Alex Sanderson, Curry’s director of rugby at Sale Sharks, condemned the abuse his player is receiving. “I don’t understand [how] what someone does on the rugby field causes them to receive threats,” Sanderson said. “It is disgusting. It is out of order. I don’t know the modern world. I am not on social media for this very reason. It is the worst part of the world we live in.”

Bill Sweeney, the RFU chief executive, said: “Because it’s a live, legal case we can’t really comment on it but clearly we’ll support Tom, absolutely. But it’s in World Rugby’s hands. [RFU lawyer] Richard [Smith] has been around the squad for years and having a KC in camp is really helpful. He’s getting all the support he needs. We’ve provided the required statements.”

This article originally appeared in The Times and has been reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Rugby World Cup: Tom Curry subject of social media abuse over ‘white c*nt’ allegation