England’s Tom Curry has accused South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi of racial abuse during the Rugby World Cup semi-final in France, and World Rugby has announced it is investigating the matter.

Tom Curry and Bongi MbonambiPhoto: Aaron Favila/AP/Profimedia

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South African Bongi Mbonambi, accused of racially insulting Englishman Tom Curry

Curry says Mbonambi called him a “white bastard” (neither address can be reproduced verbatim). It allegedly happened in the 23rd minute and the Englishman asked referee Ben O’Keefe what he should do. The New Zealander’s response was: “Nothing, please. I will follow him…”

On Monday, the World Forum said it “takes all allegations of discriminatory behavior very seriously.”

And the South African FA said it was reviewing the evidence: “We are aware of this incident, which we take very seriously.”

At the end of the match, which South Africa won 16-15, Mbonambi refused to shake Tom Curry’s hand.

South Africa will face three-time world champions New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, with England and Argentina battling for third place.