World Rugby to 'formally review' Mbonambi racism allegation as World Cup final prep suffers setback

PARIS. - Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi's Rugby World Cup final participation could be under threat as World Rugby confirmed on Monday they'll be formally reviewing the allegations made by England flank Tom Curry.

Curry alleged that Mbonambi directed a racial slur at him, calling him a "white c***" during last Saturday's enthralling Rugby World Cup semi-final at the Stade de France.

Curry, in the 28th minute of the game, reported the matter to New Zealand referee Ben O'Keeffe.

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England had 36 hours from the end of the game to lodge a complaint, with the deadline being Monday at 10:00.

World Rugby reserves the right to pursue a case even if a team doesn't lodge a complaint if they feel there is sufficient cause to take a matter forward.

When asked by News24 whether England had met the complaint deadline, World Rugby’s chief communications officer Dominic Rumbles responded with this statement: 

"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.

"World Rugby will not be making further comment until the conclusion of the process."

There is no indication as to how long it will take to reach a conclusion, but the Boks are due to name their side for the final on Thursday. 

READ | Boks, Mbonambi face anxious wait as racial slur allegations threaten to derail Bok final hopes

If Mbonambi is suspended, Nienaber may be forced to start with Deon Fourie at hooker with Marco van Staden being the reserve.

Either way, Mbonambi's absence in the event of a suspension will greatly impact the Boks,