Rugby World Cup rocked as England star accuses Springbok of racist slur in semi-final

England’s Tom Curry was overheard alleging to referee Ben O’Keefe that a South African player delivered a racist slur during the semi-final at the Stade de France on Saturday night. The flanker was heard accusing South African hooker Bongi Mbonambi of calling him a “white c***”.

It is alleged to have happened around 3src minutes into the game when England were leading 9-3. Curry spoke to the New Zealand referee and the conversation was picked up on the microphone.

He could be heard saying: “Sir, Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c*** what do I do?”

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O’Keeffe replies: “Nothing please.” He then adds “I will be on it” although it is not clear if this in reference to Curry’s complaint but he takes no action against Mbonambi. There is no audible evidence of Mbonambi’s alleged abuse. After the final whistle Mbonambi refused to shake Curry’s hand.

Following the game the Sale Sharks player was asked if Mbonambi said something he should not have he replied: “Yeah” but would not confirm the exact details. “It does not need to be talked about,” he said.

World Rugby has been approached for comment on the allegations but have not yet said anything. If it was going to be