South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi is set to be allowed to play in Saturday’s World Cup final as the World Rugby investigation into his alleged racial abuse of England flanker Tom Curry will not conclude before the weekend.
TKG sport has been told that it is “highly unlikely” that the investigation will be completed in time for World Rugby to be able to bring any disciplinary charges in case evidence is found to support Curry’s accusation during South Africa’s 16-15 semi-final victory that Mbonambi called him a “white c—”.
South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi is set to play World Cup finals.
World Rugby’s investigation is still at the evidence gathering stage in which they receive submissions from affected parties as well as examining all available audio and video footage. The speed of the investigation is dictated by the speed at which the evidence is submitted.
The incident occurred in the 24th minute of the semi-final shortly after Curry was tackled by Mbonambi with both players lying on the floor as play continued.
At the next stoppage with Owen Farrell preparing to take a penalty, Curry approaches referee Ben O’Keeffe and their exchange is caught on the referee’s microphone.
“Sir, Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c what do I do?” Curry asks.
O’Keeffe replies, “Nothing please.” He then adds “I will be on it” although it is not clear if this in reference to Curry’s complaint but he takes no action against Mbonambi.
South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi is set to play World Cup finals.
Meanwhile the episode continues to fester on social media where Curry has been inundated with abuse and threats. “I don’t understand what someone does on the rugby field causes them to receive threats,” Alex Sanderson, the Sale director of rugby, said. “It is disgusting. It is out of order.
I don’t know the modern world. I am not on social media for this very reason. It is the worst part of the world we live in.”
Mbonambi is yet to formally respond to the allegation, but when contacted a South Africa Rugby spokesperson said: “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.”
