Bongi Mbonambi has come out swinging. The South Africa hooker flatly denies using discriminatory language towards England flanker Tom Curry during their Rugby World Cup semifinal in October — and he’s not mincing his words about the Bongi Mbonambi Tom Curry accusation that followed that ferocious 16-15 victory in Paris.
Mbonambi Calls Out ‘Unprofessional’ Accusation After Rugby World Cup Semifinal Row
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa on Tuesday, Mbonambi was blunt. He believes Curry simply misheard Afrikaans instructions directed at teammates — words that carry a phonetic resemblance to the alleged slur but carry an entirely different meaning. “I think it is a very sad thing when you live in a ‘first-world’ country and you think the rest of the world speaks English,” he said. “It was unprofessional on their part. They could have gone on a website and looked for an English dictionary and for the word in Afrikaans. People [in South Africa] understood, but obviously their side misunderstood. I have never racially swore at him.”
Furthermore, World Rugby reviewed video footage, audio recordings, and submissions from players on both sides — and found insufficient evidence to take action. The governing body acknowledged that Curry raised the matter in good faith, but that conclusion did little to satisfy the Rugby Football Union. England’s governing body made clear they “fully support Tom Curry in raising the racially abusive behaviour he experienced.” It’s a messy outcome that left neither camp truly satisfied, and the online abuse that both Mbonambi and Curry suffered in the aftermath only made a horrible situation worse.
Springbok Hooker Played On Through World Cup Final Despite Knee Injury
Meanwhile, the controversy wasn’t the only thing Mbonambi had to battle through. Despite all the noise surrounding his conduct, he took to the field in the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand — only to limp off after just three minutes with a knee injury. South Africa ground out a 12-11 victory regardless, claiming the title in typically brutal Springbok fashion. It’s worth noting this wasn’t the first time allegations like these had surfaced; World Rugby had previously reviewed a similar incident from a match between the same two sides in London the year before.
For context on just how much the Springboks have dominated the rugby conversation this year, our piece on Springboks captain Siya Kolisi’s future is well worth a read. One thing is certain — South African rugby never does things quietly.
