South African hooker Bongi Mbonambi is being investigated by the Springboks for an alleged racial slur made at England’s Tom Curry during a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match. Mbonambi allegedly attacked Curry with a racial term during the game, which the Springboks won 16-15 at the Stade de France.
As advised by referee Ben O’Keefe, England’s flanker Tom Curry elected not to respond to the racial epithet.
The South African Rugby Federation stated that they are taking the accusation very seriously and are now reviewing the facts. The English squad has till Monday morning to notify rugby officials about the incident.
Following the injury of Malcom Marx, who was replaced by fly-half Handré Pollard, Mbonambi is South Africa’s only specialist hooker.
On-field verbal infractions are rarely sanctioned. England’s Joe Marler was punished for two matches in 2016 for making insults to Welsh player Samson Lee. Jacques Potgieger of South Africa was fined last year for making a homophobic remark during a Super Rugby match.
South Africa will compete for their fourth World Cup title against New Zealand on Saturday, October 28th.”