Latest: World Rugby reviewing allegations against Mbonambi

World Rugby have said they are reviewing the allegations of suspected racist behaviour on the part of Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi.

Mbonambi has been accused by Tom Curry of using a racist slur against him during the Boks’ 16-15 Rugby World Cup semi-final win against England in Paris on Saturday.

It is understood that World Rugby, the game’s governing body, are looking into the matter.

According to widespread reports, World Rugby issued a statement that reads:

“World Rugby takes all allegations of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously.

“We can confirm that we are formally reviewing the allegations made by England’s Tom Curry in relation to the use of discriminatory language during the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final on Saturday.

“World Rugby will not be making further comment until the conclusion of the process.”

World Cup final

Mbonambi and the Boks will be holding their breath, as the defending champions only have two back-up hookers in their squad, namely Deon Fourie and Marco van Staden, ahead of the World Cup final against the All Blacks in Paris on Saturday.

The Boks are without the services of specialist No 2 Malcolm Marx, who left the World Cup with an injury in the first two weeks of the tournament. He was replaced by flyhalf Handre Pollard, who has proved a match-winner for the 2019 champions.

It is not known what kind of sanction will be imposed on Mbonambi, and when it will come into effect, should he be charged with anything, or when a potential hearing will take place.

Curry told referee Ben O’Keeffe during the match on Saturday that Mbonambi had called him a “white c***”.

The Boks have said they are aware of the allegations.

Bok coach Jacques Nienaber will name his team for the final against New Zealand on Thursday.