Bongi Mbonambi has accused England of being “unprofessional” after alleging the South Africa hooker directed a racial slur at Tom Curry.
The incident occurred throughout the Springboks’ 16-15 win in opposition to England of their Rugby World Cup semi-final in France on 21 October.
World Rugby reviewed video and audio footage and submissions from each groups earlier than clearing Mbonambi to play within the ultimate in opposition to New Zealand, ruling there was “inadequate proof” that he had used the alleged time period.
World Rugby stated it was “involved” by the net abuse each gamers [Mbonambi and Curry] had suffered. Organisers launched know-how supposed to guard gamers, officers and coaches from abuse earlier than the event.
“It is very important observe that World Rugby accepts that Tom Curry made the allegations in good religion, and that there isn’t a suggestion that the allegation was intentionally false or malicious,” a press release learn.
Mbonambi, 32, says the misunderstanding took place as a result of he was talking Afrikaans, a language regularly utilized by Boks gamers to make sure group messages are usually not understood by the opposition.
“I believe it’s a very unhappy factor whenever you dwell in a primary world nation [England], you suppose the remainder of the world speaks English,” Mbonambi instructed BBC Sport Africa.
“It was unprofessional on their half. They might have gone on a web site and seemed for an English dictionary and seemed for the phrase in Afrikaans.
“Individuals understood [in South Africa] however clearly their facet was misunderstood.”
Flanker Curry approached referee Ben O’Keeffe about half an hour into the match in Paris, reported the alleged remark and requested what he ought to do in response.
“Nothing please,” replied O’Keeffe.
After concluding its investigation, World Rugby, the sport’s world governing physique, added that the case was “closed except extra proof involves gentle”.
England head coach Steve Borthwick argued that Curry was denied a good listening to, whereas the South African Rugby Union stated it has “absolute religion within the honesty and integrity” of Mbonambi.
“I am glad it was effectively taken care of [by World Rugby] and that’s all previously now,” Mbonambi added.
“However I’ve by no means racially swore at him.”
It was additionally alleged that the 2 gamers had clashed throughout the Springboks’ win over England in final yr’s Autumn Nations Sequence, with Curry claiming the same remark was made by Mbonambi in that match at Twickenham in November 2022.
“I do not know him in any respect,” stated Mbonambi when requested about his relationship with Curry.
‘Credit score to Fourie’ after damage within the ultimate
Mbonambi endured a nerve-wracking wait to search out out whether or not he can be banned for the ultimate in opposition to New Zealand whereas World Rugby carried out its investigation, with the Springboks teaching workers delaying naming their beginning line-up.
But after being cleared to play, Mbonambi didn’t final lengthy within the ultimate in Paris, being compelled out of the sport within the fourth minute when All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell landed on his proper knee.
It was an enormous concern for South Africa as Deon Fourie, a transformed flanker, took his place – however Mbonambi insisted he had full belief in Fourie.
The Springboks went on to win 12-11 to develop into the primary facet to win the title 4 instances, and the second facet after New Zealand to win it back-to-back.
“It did not really feel good in any respect [to leave that early because of an injury],” Mbonambi revealed.
“As quickly because it occurred, I knew it was one thing flawed. However all credit score to Fourie as a result of he performed his half.
“It was a troublesome place to be in and I imagine he took it upon himself as a result of he knew what he needed to do. But it surely wasn’t straightforward.
“We knew that it wasn’t just one man on the sector however 14 different gamers who [had] received his again, and he is aware of that. That’s how we work on the Springboks.”
After the Boks returned from the World Cup, Mbonambi and the remainder of the squad took half in a four-day tour with the Webb Ellis trophy in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape City, Durban and East London.
