Springboks await World Rugby’s decision on Mbonambi

 

The Springboks are awaiting the outcome of World Rugby’s investigation into an incident whether Springboks hooker, Bongi Mbonambi, did use a ‘racial slur’ against an English player on Saturday, during their semi-final match.

England’s Tom Curry has alleged that the 32-year-old Mbonambi made racist remarks in the first half of the nail-biting game that saw the Boks clinching a 16-15 victory.

“World Rugby takes all allegations of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously. 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,” the organisation has said.

SA Rugby has also confirmed that it is also conducting its own investigation.

Should World Rugby decide to take disciplinary action against Mbonambi, the 32-year-old could be handed a suspension, meaning that he could possibly miss the final against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Springboks cannot afford to be without Mbonambi as he is the Springboks’ only specialist hooker after Malcom Marx was injured, thus ending his time at the tournament.

Mbonambi, who was man of the match in the quarter-final win over hosts France, is also the captain of the team when Siya Kolisi isn’t on the field.

Meanwhile, South Africa second row, Jean Kleyn, has refused to comment on the claims against Mbonambi, but praised him for being a great guy.

 

South Africans are, however, openly defending Mbonambi on social media.

— G. (@Galeshewe_GT) October 23, 2023

“WIT KANT” … wit kant. Tabloids and twats have a lot of apologizing to do. #Springboks #TomCurry needs a lesson in Afrikaans #BongiMbonambi #ENGvsRSA #RWC2023 https://t.co/VEPTdkiGmn

— 🇿🇦 Wonderland 🇿🇦 (@socialHATchat) October 24, 2023

 

Anyway, @BongiMbonambi @Springboks @RassieRugby must ignore these guys. They know the truth but they’re just trying to psychologically derail our guys before Saturday’s game. Just mize 🙄

— Amashumi, hay’ oosheleni!💰 🇵🇸 (@luyolo_mad) October 24, 2023

Bongi Mbonambi shouted “Wyd Kant” …end of the story..Tom Curry misunderstood him #Springboks #RWCFinal @pmcafrica pic.twitter.com/jwNdBY6Aox

— Peché Africa 🇿🇦 (@pmcafrica) October 24, 2023

Bongi Mbonambi 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 speaking Afrikaans… he is fluent

“ die hond blaf” those are the only words I can praat 🤞🏽😭

❤️We stand 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦#Springboks #RWCFinal #NZLvRSA https://t.co/XUvEYmJV5D pic.twitter.com/qbglk5N62d

— Sandra Boyce (@Sandraboyce19) October 24, 2023