Springbok hooker Mbongeni Theo Mbonambi (known as ‘Bongi’) is free to play in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final.

Mbonambi has been the subject of an investigation by governing body World Rugby, as well as the South African Rugby Union (Saru).

The investigation follows claims by England flanker Tom Curry that Mbonambi referred to him as a ‘white c***’ during the semi-final between South Africa and England.

World Rugby in a statement released today said that ‘there is insufficient evidence at this time to proceed with charges… Therefore, the matter is deemed closed unless additional evidence comes to light’.

It said all that available evidence, including match footage, audio and evidence from both teams, was taken into account.

The governing body confirmed that a ‘further allegation [was] brought forward in recent days about a previous match in the Autumn Nations Series 2022’. This matter was also investigated and subsequently closed without further action.

The statement said that the governing body notes Curry made the allegations ‘in good faith’ and that ‘there is no suggestion that the allegation was deliberately false or malicious’.

In conclusion, World Rugby said they are concerned about the abuse both players have received on social media in the wake of the incident.

“There is no place in rugby or society for discrimination, abuse or hate speech, and World Rugby urges fans to embrace the sport’s values of respect, integrity and solidarity.”

Another ‘kant’ (side) to the allegations

South Africans have come to the hooker’s defence since the allegation was made, with some suggesting that Curry misinterpreted Mbonambi’s use of ‘kant’, which means ‘side’ in Afrikaans.

In typical fashion, Bok supporters took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their interpretation of what might have happened:

Dear New Zealand Media, this weekend you will hear “Swart Kant” It’s not an insult but them speaking Afrikaans on the field. Baie Dankie!

— Ngamla Gouws 🇿🇦 (@RenaldoGouws) October 24, 2023

Bongi Mbonambi has taught the whole world that there is an Afrikaans word, ‘kant’ (meaning ‘side’).

It is pronounced in the same way as a word commonly used by drunk English men before a fight breaks out.

— Christo 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 (@ChristoThurston) October 24, 2023

Afrikaans is tricky. pic.twitter.com/uOgvUw9d1N

— Marguerite Doig Gander (@margieMYDNA) October 22, 2023

In another video posted to the platform, Mbonambi can be heard using the word ‘kant’ during a line-out training session as the defending world champions prepare to take on New Zealand at the Stade de France at 21:00 on Saturday.

Bongi Mbonambi is in full flight and full of energy at the Boks training session just outside Paris. #Springboks #RWC2023 🇿🇦🏉 pic.twitter.com/XCwW4FNFMR

— Hendrik Cronjé (@hendrikcronje71) October 25, 2023

SA Rugby’s investigation

Caxton Local Media has contacted Saru to confirm the state of their investigation, but no comment was received by the time of publishing. Mbonambi has also been mum on the situation.