Springboks defend ‘great guy’ Bongi Mbonambi after World Rugby launch investigation into Tom Curry’s allegation he was called a ‘white ****’ by South African hooker
The Springboks have defended the character of their hooker Bongi Mbonambi after an investigation was launched into allegations of racism made by England flanker Tom Curry.
In the 28th minute of England’s 16-15 defeat to South Africa on Saturday night, Curry told referee Ben O’Keeffe: “Sir, sir, if their whore calls me a white bastard, what am I going to do?” O’Keeffe replied: “Nothing, please.”
World Rugby has since launched an investigation. South African scrum coach Daan Human refused to be involved in the allegations, but personally supported the attacker.
“It’s being handled by World Rugby and SA Rugby at the moment, so from my side I can’t really comment on that. I’m concentrating on the scrums,” Human said.
‘He trained perfectly this afternoon, trained well and is participating in training.
The Springboks defended the character of their hooker Bongi Mbonambi (L) after an investigation was launched into allegations of racism made by England winger Tom Curry (R)
South African scrum coach Daan Human refused to get involved in the allegations but personally supported Mbonambi
‘Bongi was part of this six-year group, he started in the last World Cup and he started in the semi-final, so he is very important, as are all the other players in our group.
“He’s one of the leaders in our group and a great, great guy. I know his children, my children always take care of his children when they come to the hotel. He’s a very humble guy, very down to earth, just like the other players, and that should be the case if they want to play for the Springboks.
“He’s definitely a guy I’d like to have on my team. He is a quiet man, a very quiet man, well spoken. I don’t really want to go into it, we have a World Cup final in six days. I concentrate more on the forwards. “I can’t comment, I wasn’t on the field.”
The Springboks have already lost hooker Malcolm Marx to injury and have two flankers – Deon Fourie and Marco van Staden – to provide backup.
Human insisted he is happy with the depth of the team, adding: “We have three hookers in the group, three guys who are comfortable playing hooker. When you go into a final you have to have two hookers on the field (in the 23).”
Mail Sport understands the RFU has lodged a complaint with tournament authorities in relation to Mbonambi’s alleged outburst.
Human described Mbonambi as a very humble and down-to-earth person