Bongi Mbonambi: Curry accusation was ‘unprofessional’

South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi has denied using discriminatory language towards England flanker Tom Curry during the Rugby World Cup semi-final in October, calling the allegations against him “unprofessional “.

World Rugby, which was also asked to review a similar incident during a match between the teams in London last year, found insufficient evidence after a review of video and audio footage, as well as statements players on both sides.

The Springboks hooker believes Curry misinterpreted his instructions to his teammates in Afrikaans, which sounded similar to the allegedly discriminatory language, during the tense 16-15 victory in Paris.

“I think it’s a very sad thing when you live in a first world country and you think the rest of the world speaks English,” Mbonambi told BBC Sport Africa on Tuesday.

“It was unprofessional of them. They could have gone to a website and looked up an English dictionary and the word in Afrikaans. [in South Africa] understood, but obviously their camp misunderstood.

“I’m glad it was resolved and it’s all a thing of the past. But I never called him racist names.”

World Rugby acknowledged that Curry had made the accusation in good faith, but the outcome infuriated England’s Rugby Football Union officials, who said they “fully supported Tom Curry in denouncing the abusive racist behavior he committed.” was victim.

Curry and Mbonambi were both victims of online abuse following the match, leading to heavy criticism from both teams.

Mbonambi then played just three minutes in South Africa’s 12–11 win over New Zealand in the final as he had to leave the field with a knee injury.