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

• South Africa have defended the character of hooker Bongi Mbonambi
• An investigation was launched  after Tom Curry said he was called a ‘white ****’
• Latest Rugby World Cup 2023 news, including fixtures, live scores and results

The Springboks defended the character of their hooker Bongi Mbonambi after an investigation was launched into racism allegations from England flanker Tom Curry.

In the 28th minute of England’s 16-15 defeat against South Africa on Saturday night, Curry said to referee Ben O’Keeffe: ‘Sir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white c**t, what do I do?’ O’Keeffe replied: ‘Nothing, please.’

World Rugby have since launched an investigation. South Africa scrum coach Daan Human refused to be drawn into the allegations but personally supported the forward.

‘It is being dealt with by World Rugby and SA Rugby at the moment so from my side I can’t really comment on that. I focus on the scrums,’ said Human.

‘He had perfect training this afternoon, had a good training and he is participating in training sessions.

The Springboks defended the character of their hooker Bongi Mbonambi (L) after an investigation was launched into racism allegations from England flanker Tom Curry (R)

South Africa scrum coach Daan Human refused to be drawn into the allegations but personally supported Mbonambi

‘Bongi has been part of this group of six years, he started in the last World Cup and he started in the semi-final so he is very important, like all the other players in our group.

‘He is one of the leaders in our group and a great, great guy. I know his kids my kids always look after his kids when they come to the hotel. He is very humble guy, very down to earth like the other players and they should be if they want to play for the Springboks.

‘He is definitely a guy I would love to have in my team. He is a calm guy, a very calm guy, well-spoken. I actually don’t want to go into it, we have got a World Cup final in six days. I am more concentrating 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 – providing back up.

Human insisted he is happy with the team’s depth, adding: ‘We have three hookers in the group, three guys who are comfortable with playing hooker. If you go into a final you must have two hookers on the field (in the 23).’

Mail Sport understands that the RFU lodged a complaint with the tournament authorities, in relation to the alleged outburst by Mbonambi.

Human described Mbonambi as being a very humble and down to earth person

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