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Update: Mbonambi trains with Boks as SA Rugby monitor racial slur matter
At the Boks press conference on Monday afternoon Bok assistant coach Daan Human was quizzed on the matter.
Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi and prop Vincent Koch share a laugh during the Boks training session on Monday afternoon. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images
Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi trained with the Boks on Monday ahead of the Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks on Saturday, despite the furore around the alleged use of a racial slur by the player during their semifinal win over England over the past weekend.
English loose forward Tom Curry was heard over the referees mic asking ref Ben O’ Keeffe what he should do if their (the Boks) hooker called him a “white c***”, with O’ Keeffe telling him to do nothing and that they would be on it.
ALSO READ: Latest – World Rugby reviewing allegations against Mbonambi
On Sunday SA Rugby released a statement saying they took the allegations seriously and would engage with Mbonambi on the matter.
On Monday World Rugby released a statement saying that they would be looking into the matter and would not comment until the conclusion of their investigation.
At the Boks‘ press conference on Monday afternoon Bok assistant coach Daan Human was quizzed on the matter, however he claimed that he was unable to comment on the matter as it was being dealt with by SA Rugby and World Rugby.
Dealt with
“That’s been dealt with by SA Rugby and World Rugby. I can’t comment on it as I just run with the scrum. Bongi had good training and he participated well. I can’t really comment on that. Bongi has been part of this group for the past six years and is an important part of our puzzle,” said Human.
Human was also asked if Mbonambi was the kind of guy who would have said something like that, and if the Boks had plans for if he were to be suspended for the final.
“I can’t comment because I wasn’t on the field. He’s down to earth, a guy I would love to have on the field and he’s a great guy,” admitted Human.
“He’s one of the leaders, a great guy and a great family man. He looks after my kids when they’re around. I haven’t been in discussion with the matter, and to be honest, he’s a calm guy, and he’s humble.
“We’ve got three guys who can play hooker, and we need to have two hookers on the field.”
Bok lock Jean Kleyn was also cheekily asked about the Mbonambi situation, but deftly dealt with it explaining that he wouldn’t get involved.
“Bongi is a great guy, and I’ve known him since the Stormers, but I’m not going to comment. He’s a great guy, passionate guy and a family man. He’s an upstanding guy, and I don’t (think) there’s a guy who doesn’t like him,” said Kleyn.
