Die wit kant? New footage may shed light on Mbonambi ‘slur’

Die wit kant? New footage may shed light on Mbonambi ‘slur’

New footage has emerged that might shed light on the alleged racial slur Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi is accused of directing at England’s Tom Curry. 

Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi
ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT / AFP

The alleged incident took place during the Springboks' victory in the Rugby World Cup semi-final in Paris on Saturday. 


World Rugby said Monday it had launched an official investigation into the allegation that Mbonambi called England backrow forward Curry "you white (followed by an expletive)" in the first half of Saturday's 16-15 victory.


"World Rugby takes all allegations of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously," the sport's governing body said in a statement on Monday, five days before South Africa face New Zealand in the World Cup final.


"We can confirm that we are formally reviewing the allegation made by England’s Tom Curry in relation to the use of discriminatory language during the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final on Saturday.


"World Rugby will not be making further comment until the conclusion of the process."


WATCH: 


Curry approached referee Ben O'Keeffe about half an hour into the hard-fought match in Paris to report the alleged comment and asked what he should do in response.


"Nothing, please. I'll be on it," replied O'Keeffe.


Curry was asked after the game whether Mbonambi, who also appeared to refuse to shake the England player's hand at the end of the match, had said something he had taken issue with.


"Yeah," replied the 25-year-old, before adding that "it does not need to be talked about".


South Africa Rugby said on Sunday they would look into the matter.


"We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence," it said.


"We will engage with Bongi if anything is found to substantiate the claim."



Listen to the latest Jacaranda FM sports bulletin

MORE ON JACARANDA FM:


Show's Stories