Tom Curry has reiterated his accusations that South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi called him a “white c—.” This is the England flanker’s first public statement over the incident since the team’s defeat in the Rugby World Cup semi-final.
Curry, 25, told Kiwi referee Ben O’Keeffe that Mbonambi had made racial remarks to him 27 minutes into the Springboks’ October 21 semifinal triumph in Paris.
Curry told MailOnline, “I didn’t really want to speak about it from the start.”
“For me, the ball was out of play both times. There was no misunderstanding on my behalf during our conversation with Bongi.
“I immediately ran to the referee. What I heard, I heard. I really don’t have much else to say about it, so that’s all I really want to say.
In response to Curry’s claim, the Rugby Football Union filed a complaint with World Rugby, who concluded that there was “insufficient evidence” to support disciplinary action against Mbonambi. Mbonambi went on to start the Springboks’ World Cup final match against New Zealand.
Curry maintains that the accusations were true, notwithstanding Mbonambi’s recent comments that they were “unprofessional” and that England was assuming a “first-world” mindset.
He further claimed that there was a comparable event during the two sides’ meeting in November 2022, which World Rugby failed to look into because of insufficient proof.
He did not say which term he was using, although others have suggested that he was saying “wit kant,” which translates to “white side.”
Mbonambi claimed that although he “does not know [Curry] at all,” the RFU’s subsequent protest was blatantly racist.
Curry’s claim has been made fun of in South Africa, where Mbonambi was given a shirt that made fun of Curry’s evidence.
Curry continued, “It was difficult for my brother, my girlfriend, and my family.” “It was a difficult experience, but that’s life.”
“I want to say no more about it; the investigation is over.”
