United States
United Kingdom
Summary:
- England’s semi-final loss to South Africa was marred by racism allegations
- England will look to put that aside and focus on their final game against Argentina
- England will play Argentina for a third place finish on Oct 27
England came so close to qualifying for the 2023 Rugby World Cup final but stumbled in the crucial minutes of their semi-final clash against South Africa who are the defending champions. The Springboks kept their nerve and managed to beat England 16-15 in what was a heart-breaking loss for England and their legion of rugby fans.
Their loss to South Africa was marred by allegations of racism as England’s flanker Tom Curry accused Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi of racially abusing him and calling him a “white cunt“.
World Rugby Launches Investigation Into Racial Slur
Curry brought it to the attention of referee Ben O’Keeffe on the field and the matter has now been escalated by Rugby Football Union who have filed an official complaint with World Rugby.
World Rugby has confirmed that they have launched an investigation into the matter as it takes discriminatory allegations extremely seriously and will look to thoroughly investigation the incident and arrive at a decision as soon as possible.
South Africa are set to play New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup finals on Oct 28 as both teams look to create history and win their 4th Rugby World Cup. Bongi Mbonambi is expected to play in the final as the Springboks look to put this ugly incident aside and focus on the finals.
England Will Focus On Argentina As Curry Gets Support
England are determined to finish their 2023 Rugby World Cup game on a high note and that means they need to win their final game against Argentina on Oct 27. The winner will finish in third place and it would be fitting for England to take third place as they have played really well.
England rugby coach Richard Wigglesworth said Tom Curry was doing good and the team was looking to focus on the game and put this incident behind them.
In a statement, Wigglesworth said.
He’s obviously been thrown into it, but he’s a very, very impressive young man. I know players will have got around him. I’m sure he’s getting every bit of support that he needs. If selected on Friday he will pour everything into that England shirt as he has done on the other 49 occasions.
