World Rugby to investigate alleged racial slur by Mbonambi،
PARIS, France — World Rugby has confirmed it is investigating allegations that England flanker Tom Curry was racially abused by South African hooker Bongi Mbonambi during the Rugby League semi-final. world Saturday.
Curry was heard on the referee’s microphone in the first half telling official Ben O’Keeffe: “If their bitch calls me a white asshole, what should I do?” O’Keeffe replied: “Nothing please.”
Although the alleged insult was not audible on the microphone, the discussion took place just before the 30-minute mark, with Curry approaching O’Keeffe to inform him of the alleged comment.
World Rugby released a statement on Monday confirming it was investigating the incident.
“World Rugby takes all allegations of discriminatory behavior extremely seriously,” the statement said. “We can confirm that we are formally investigating allegations made by England’s Tom Curry regarding the use of discriminatory language during the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa , SATURDAY.
“World Rugby will make no further comment until the conclusion of the process.”
English rugby’s national governing body, the RFU, has filed a complaint following the incident, sources told ESPN.
England coach Steve Borthwick also refused to comment on the allegation on Sunday after his team was eliminated from the tournament following a 16-15 defeat to South Africa.
If found guilty, Mbonambi likely faces suspension, which would be a major blow to the Boks ahead of the final.
Curry was asked after the game about the incident and whether Mbonambi said something he shouldn’t have and he replied: “Yeah.”
When Curry was asked if he would say what was said, he declined to elaborate and said it was not cleared up at the end of the game.
He added: “Look, I’m not talking about it right now.”
In a statement released on Sunday, SA Rugby said: “We are aware of this allegation, which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence. We will engage with Bongi if anything is found to support this claim.”
Information from Reuters was included in this report.
