It was stated by World Rugby that it was “concerned” about the internet harassment that both Mbonambi and Curry had experienced. Before the competition, the organizers installed equipment designed to shield coaches, officials, and athletes from mistreatment.”It is important to note that World Rugby accepts that Tom Curry made the allegations in good faith, and that there is no suggestion that the allegation was deliberately false or malicious,” said a statement.

The reason for the misunderstanding, according to 32-year-old Mbonambi, is that he was speaking Afrikaans, a language commonly utilized by Boks players to make sure the opposition does not comprehend team communications.”I think it is a very sad thing when you live in a first world country [England], you think the rest of the world speaks English,” Mbonambi stated to the BBC.

“They acted in an unprofessional manner. They may have searched for the word in Afrikaans and English dictionaries on the internet.”In South Africa, people understood, but it’s clear that their perspective wasn’t understood.”About 30 minutes into the Paris match, Flanker Curry went over to referee Ben O’Keeffe, reported the alleged slur, and asked what he should do in response.”Please, nothing,” O’Keeffe said.

The worldwide governing body of rugby, World Rugby, adding that the case was “closed unless additional evidence comes to light” after wrapping up its inquiry.While the South African Rugby Union declared that it has “absolute faith in the honesty and integrity” of Mbonambi, England head coach Steve Borthwick contended that Curry was not given a fair hearing.

“I’m glad it was well taken care of [by World Rugby] and that is all in the past now,” Mbonambi said.”But I have never racially swore at him.”

Additionally, it was claimed that the two players had argued during the Springboks’ victory over England in the Autumn Nations Series of the previous year. Curry asserted that Mbonambi had said something similar during that match at Twickenham in November 2022.Mbonambi responded, “I don’t know him at all,” when asked about his connection to Curry.

‘Credit to Fourie’ following his final-round injury

While World Rugby conducted its inquiry, Mbonambi had to wait in nerve-wracking anticipation to find out if he would be banned for the final against New Zealand. Meanwhile, the coaching staff of the Springboks postponed announcing their starting lineup.

Even though he was given the all-clear to play, Mbonambi’s time in the Paris final was short-lived as All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell’s fall in the fourth minute injured his right knee.When flanker-turned-forward Deon Fourie replaced him, South Africa was extremely concerned, but Mbonambi maintained that he had complete faith in Fourie.

After defeating New Zealand 12–11, the Springboks emerged victorious for the fourth time and became the second team to win the title consecutively, after none other.Mbonambi said, “It didn’t feel good at all [to leave that early because of an injury].””I understood right away that something wasn’t right when it happened. But Fourie deserves all the credit for having done his share.

It was a difficult situation for him to be in, and I think he took it upon himself since he knew what needed to be done. However, it wasn’t simple.We were aware that 14 other players had supported him in addition to the one person on the field, and he is aware of this. At the Springboks, that is the way we operate.”Mbonambi and the rest of the team traveled to Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and East London on a four-day tour with the Webb Ellis trophy following the Boks’ World Cup return.