Bongi Mbonambi’s place in Saturday’s World Cup Final remains in doubt, after the South Africa hooker was caught in an alleged racism row with England’s Tom Curry.
World Rugby are investigating claims by Curry that Mbonambi used a racial slur towards him during Saturday night’s semi-final in Paris.
Curry asked Kiwi referee Ben O’Keefe: “Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?” during the first-half of England’s agonising 16-15 defeat at the Stade de France.
O’Keefe replied: “Nothing please,” then later added: “I’ll be on it.” The exchange between Curry and O’Keefe was caught on the referee’s microphone and the incident is now being officially reviewed.
“World Rugby takes all allegations of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously,” said a spokesperson.
“We can confirm that we are formally reviewing the allegation made by Tom Curry in relation to the use of discriminatory language during the semi-final. World Rugby will not be making further comment until the conclusion of the process.”
World Rugby’s investigation throws Mbonambi’s participation in Saturday’s final against New Zealand into doubt.
Springboks hooker Mbonambi refused to shake Curry’s hand after the final whistle.
South Africa had clawed their way back from a 15-6 deficit to edge England out 16-15. Leicester fly-half Handre Pollard booted the last-gasp penalty to inch South Africa past an inspired but ultimately luckless England.
The full-time whistle sparked some tussles between both sets of players, with Mbonambi then refusing to shake Curry’s hand. Curry admitted an incident had taken place with Mbonambi, but refused to elaborate.
He did say that the Springboks player had said something untoward but that the issue went unresolved on the night.
Asked if it had been cleared up, Curry replied: “No. It doesn’t need to be talked about.” When pressed, Curry added: “Listen, I’m not talking about it now.”
A South Africa spokesperson said: “We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence.”
