The England flanker Tom Curry accused South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi of calling him a “white cunt” during his side’s heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat on Saturday. South Africa Rugby has responded to the allegation – made to the referee, Ben O’Keeffe, in the first half of the Springboks’ one-point victory – promising to investigate the incident.
Curry can clearly be heard on a recording via O’Keeffe’s microphone making the allegation of a racist slur to the official in the 28th minute of the match. He said: “Sir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white cunt what do I do?” The New Zealander responded by saying: “Nothing please.” He goes on to add, after a short pause: “I’ll be on it,” though it is unclear if he is referring to the specific incident. There is no audio available of the alleged comment by Mbonambi.
