South Africa ‘can’t comment’ on Bongi Mbonambi racism probe at Rugby World Cup

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Lawes reviews England's Rugby World Cup semi-final loss to South Africa

South Africa scrum coach Daan Human has insisted that Bongi Mbonambi is a ‘great family man’ after he was accused of racially abusing England flanker Tom Curry. The alleged incident took place during the Rugby World Cup semi-final between the Springboks and England on Saturday.

Curry was heard lodging a complaint with referee Ben O’Keeffe during a break in play, with the claims now being formally investigated by World Rugby. Human faced several questions about Mbonambi in Monday’s press conference but was quick to explain that he could not confirm or deny the allegations made against the 32-year-old.

“That’s being dealt with by SA Rugby and World Rugby,” said Human. “I can’t comment on it as I just run with the scrum. Bongi had good training and he participated well. I can’t really comment on that. Bongi has been part of this group for the past six years and is an important part of our puzzle.

“He’s one of the leaders, a great guy and a great family man. He looks after my kids when they’re around. I haven’t been in discussion with the matter, and to be honest, he’s a calm guy and he’s humble.”

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If Mbonambi is charged and found guilty of the alleged offence, the Springboks will likely be without him for the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand. He is the only specialist hooker in the squad but Human went on to explain that other players will be capable of filling the role against the All Blacks if Mbonambi is banned.

“We’ve got three guys who can play hooker and we need to have two hookers on the field,” he said. “I can’t comment [on the allegations] because I wasn’t on the field. He’s down to earth, a guy I would love to have on the field and he’s a great guy.”

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World Rugby confirmed on Monday that the allegations made against Mbonambi will be subjected to a formal review, with the governing body making it clear that Curry’s claims of racial abuse will be taken ‘extremely seriously’.

A statement read: “We can confirm that we are formally reviewing the allegation 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.”

England had a deadline on Monday morning to raise a complaint with the citing commissioner, but that timeframe passed without any subsequent action. World Rugby, meanwhile, will retain the authority to cite Mbonambi within a 36-hour window even in the absence of an official complaint from England.

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