Bongi Mbonambi is FREE to play in the Rugby World Cup final, despite ‘white ****’ racial slur investigation hanging over him… with no decision expected until after Saturday’s match

• Bongi Mbonambi is expected to play for South Africa in the World Cup final
• World Rugby’s investigation is only expected to conclude after the tournament
• Tom Curry accused the Springboks hooker of calling him a ‘white c***’ 
• Latest Rugby World Cup 2023 news, including fixtures, live scores and results

Bongi Mbonambi is free to play for South Africa in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand despite a World Rugby investigation hanging over him. 

The Springboks hooker is expected to feature after Tom Curry accused him of a racial slur during South Africa’s 16-15 win over England in the semi-finals. 

Curry alleged that Mbonambi called him a ‘white c***’ but no decision from World Rugby is expected until after rugby’s showpiece event. 

The England flanker has received a storm of online abuse since making the allegation, including death threats, and Sale Sharks have condemned the ‘disgusting’ comments. 

They wrote on X, formerly Twitter: ‘Sale Sharks’ owners, players, coaches and staff are absolutely appalled by the nature and level of disgusting abuse directed at Tom Curry and his family in relation to an incident in the England v South Africa World Cup semi-final.

Bongi Mbonambi is free to play in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final despite Tom Curry’s accusation 

Curry alleged that Mbonambi called him a ‘white c***’ in the World Cup semi-final and World Rugby are investigating

‘Everyone at the club stands fully and proudly behind Tom and we look forward to welcoming him back to Carrington.’

Some South African fans claimed that Mbonambi could have been speaking Africaans.

The Springboks often speak Afrikaans to hide their plans from opponents.

Their fans suggest the hooker may have been saying ‘wit kant’ – which translates to ‘white side’ – indicating the colour England were playing in on the day.

In England’s dramatic 15-16 loss to South Africa, Curry approached referee Ben O’Keeffe in the 28th minute of the match, and is heard to say over the ref mic: ‘Sir, sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?’

O’Keeffe replied: ‘Nothing, please.’

After the final whistle, there was a noticeable altercation between Curry and Mbonambi, who appeared to refuse to shake the England forward’s hand and marched off down the tunnel.

It was confirmed on Monday that the English Rugby Football Union had lodged an official complaint about the incident, prompting World Rugby to open an investigation.

The flanker asked referee Ben O’Keeffe: ‘When their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?’

Supporters suggested he was saying ‘wit kant’, which translates in Afrikaans as ‘white side’

Mbonambi played the full 80 minutes for the Springboks in their semi-final victory 

A statement released by World Rugby – the global governing body – said: ‘World Rugby takes allegations of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously.

‘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 any further comment until the conclusion of the process.’

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

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