The recent accusation of a racist slur during the Rugby World Cup semi-final has raised concerns about discrimination in the sport. While the incident is still under investigation, it highlights the need for stricter measures to address racism in rugby and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all players.

The alleged incident occurred during the semi-final match between England and South Africa, when England’s Tom Curry accused South African hooker Bongi Mbonambi of using a racist slur. Curry brought the issue to the attention of the referee, Ben O’Keefe, who responded by saying “Nothing please” and assuring Curry that he would be on top of the situation. However, no action was taken against Mbonambi, and there is no audible evidence of the alleged abuse.

After the match, Mbonambi refused to shake Curry’s hand, further fueling speculation about the incident. Curry confirmed that Mbonambi had said something he shouldn’t have, but declined to provide further details, stating that it didn’t need to be talked about.

World Rugby has been approached for comment on the allegations but has not yet responded. If the incident is to be addressed, it would need to be cited within 36 hours of the end of the game. South Africa forwards coach Deon Davids appeared unaware of the incident during a press conference, stating that he was not aware of any comment or discussion about it.

This incident is reminiscent of a previous incident in 2016 when England prop Joe Marler was banned for two matches after making a derogatory comment towards a Welsh prop. It highlights the recurring issue of discriminatory language in rugby and the need for stronger measures to combat such behavior.

In conclusion, the recent accusation of a racist slur during the Rugby World Cup semi-final highlights the ongoing problem of discrimination in the sport. The incident is currently under investigation, and it remains to be seen what actions will be taken. However, it serves as a reminder that more needs to be done to address racism in rugby and create a safe and inclusive environment for all players.