England flanker accuses Springbok of racist slur during World Cup semi-final

England flanker Tom Curry alleged to referee Ben O’Keeffe that South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi called him a “white c---” during the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup semi-final victory.

The incident occurred just before the half-hour mark with England leading 9-3 as Curry approached O’Keeffe, the New Zealand official.

On the referee’s microphone, Curry can be clearly heard asking, “Sir, Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c--- what do I do?”

O’Keeffe replies: “Nothing please.” He then adds “I will be on it” although it is not clear if this in reference to Curry’s complaint, but he takes no action against Mbonambi. There is no audible evidence of Mbonambi’s alleged abuse.

After the final whistle, Mbonambi refused to shake Curry’s hand. Following the game the Sale Sharks flanker was asked if Mbonambi said something he should not have, he replied, “yeah” but would not confirm the exact details. “It does not need to be talked about.”

World Rugby were unable to comment on the allegations on Sunday while the citing window remains open. It closes 36 hours after the end of the final whistle and England will be able to make a complaint should they wish during that time.

South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi.Credit: AP

Mbonambi is the only specialist hooker within the Springboks squad and losing him to a potential suspension would be hugely damaging to South Africa’s chances of beating New Zealand in the World Cup final. Converted Dean Fourie and Marco van Staden provide the hooker behind Mbonambi, but South Africa would be unable to call up a replacement hooker in case of suspension.

South Africa forwards coach Deon Davids appeared unaware of the incident when speaking at a Springboks press conference on Sunday morning. “I’m not aware of that, I’m not aware of any comment, if it was discussed,” Davids said. “I’m not sure what the comment was or when it was said. I don’t know.”

There is little precedent of racist abuse during Test matches. In 2016, Joe Marler was found guilty of misconduct and banned for two matches for calling the Wales prop Samson Lee “Gypsy boy” during a Six Nations match.

Telegraph, London

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