2023 Rugby World Cup: Tom Curry accuses South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi of racist comment. Here is what England can do

England flanker Tom Curry has accused South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi of using a racial slur against him during the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final game. South Africa won the game and stormed into the final. Curry approached referee Ben O'Keeffe and asked him what he should do in response. O'Keeffe asked him not to do anything. But, England have 36 hours after the end of the match to lodge a complaint to the citing commissioner, who could call a disciplinary hearing.

England have 36 hours to appeal

The deadline for England to file a complaint to World Rugby is Monday morning. According to the BBC, the animosity between the two sides continued after the match and Mbonambi refused to shake Curry's hand at the end of the game.


At the end of the 20-minute mark when Owen Farrell lined up a shot at goal, the England flanker approached referee Ben O’Keeffe and alleged that Mbonambi had made a racial comment. But this alleged incident could not be heard on the television broadcast.

South Africa Rugby reviewing evidence

In a statement issued after the game, South Africa Rugby said, "We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence." It said further, "We will engage with Bongi if anything is found to substantiate the claim."

On the other hand, Deon Davids, South Africa’s forwards coach, said that he was 'not aware' of anything that was said.

Joe Marler was banned in 2016

Earlier, England prop Joe Marler was banned for two games for a comment made to Wales' Samson Lee in 2016. Similarly, South African Jacques Potgieter was fined for an on-field homophobic slur in a Super Rugby game in 2015.

South Africa's only specialist hooker

Earlier in the tournament, the Springbok management replaced the injured Malcolm Marx with fly-half Handre Pollard. Thus, Mbonambi is the only specialist hooker in the South Africa squad. South Africa will play New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final next Saturday. Both sides are chasing a record fourth title.

FAQs:

Why was South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi accused of using a racial slur?
At the end of the 20-minute mark when Owen Farrell lined up a shot at goal, the England flanker approached referee Ben O’Keeffe and alleged that Mbonambi had made a racial comment.

What can England do now?
England have 36 hours after the end of the match to lodge a complaint to the citing commissioner, who could call a disciplinary hearing.