ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

South Africa release statement surrounding alleged racial abuse towards England player

BY Jack Tunney  ·  Sunday Oct 22, 2023

SA Rugby have released a statement regarding a racial slur that was alleged to have been said to an England player during the World Cup semi-final on Saturday evening.

ADVERTISEMENT

Whilst the match was a tense tussle with plenty of niggle between the old rivals, the alleged moment has emerged that is rather less savoury.

Caught on ref mic, England backrow Tom Curry approached referee Ben O’Keeffe to explain that Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi had verbally abused him.

Curry said to O’Keeffe, “Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***. What do I do?” to which the referee replied “Nothing please.”

Asked about the incident post match and whether it cleared up after the match, Curry said, “No, it doesn’t need to be talked about.”

It was then put to Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids if he was aware of the incident, “Honestly, I’m not aware of any comment. It was never discussed, so I’m just not quite sure what the comment was or where it was said, so I don’t know.” Davids concluded.

SA Rugby has since changed their stance on the situation, saying that they are taking the allegation “very seriously”.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence. We will engage with Bongi if anything is found to substantiate the claim,” the SA Rugby statement read.

Mbonambi, who refused to shake Curry’s hand after the match, could potentially face a ban should he been found guilty of the offence.

Related Articles

  • 44 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Gray to exit Exeter Chiefs with immediate...

  • 44 WEEKS AGO

    Former Connacht hooker shares brilliant rugby...

  • 44 WEEKS AGO

    Official calls halt to play amidst double-call...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Sensational score at the Stadio Olympico

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Flying frenchman scores tremendous try for Toulon

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Young England hopeful continues to impress with double against Stade Français

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 16 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    SHOCK results in the PWR keeps top four race thrilling

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

View All

Funnies

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

View All

Amateur

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 111 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 111 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 134 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    The Capuozzo try that jump-started Italy's victory

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

View All