Tom Curry asked if he will shake Bongi Mbonambi's hand ahead of Springbok showdown

09/16/2024 03:32 PM

Showdown.

England flanker Tom Curry has been asked if he would shake Springboks prop Bongi Mbonambi’s hand following their controversial incident at the Rugby World Cup in France.

Curry accused Mbonambi of racially abusing him at the tournament, claiming that it occurred while the ball was out of play.

World Rugby investigated the incident, but the governing body found that there was "insufficient evidence" to back up Curry’s claim that he was called a "white c**t" by Mbonambi midway through the first half of their semi-final clash.

Mbonambi claimed Curry misinterpreted him as he was in fact speaking Afrikaans.

"I think it is a very sad thing when you live in a first-world country, you think the rest of the world speaks English," Mbonambi said.

"It was unprofessional on their part. They could have gone on a website and looked for an English dictionary and looked for the word in Afrikaans.

But Curry refused to accept the explanation, stating that he ‘heard what he heard’ and now the pair look set to meet again for the first time since that incident when England take on South Africa in November, and the Sale Sharks man is looking forward to taking on the world champions.

"Anytime you get to play against South Africa, you're so lucky," Curry said.

"I love playing against South Africa. I've said what I need to say, I think it's unfortunate what has happened, but it is what it is.

"If you get to play against South Africa, obviously I'd love to.

"It'd be a hell of a test, they're looking really good, and I couldn't think of a better game to get involved in if I get the chance."

But when asked if he would shake Mbonambi’s hand, Curry refused to say he would, suggesting that the spat may be still ongoing.

"I'm not answering that," he said.

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