Rugby World Cup: South Africa government appears to mock Tom Curry racism storm during celebrations
Rugby World Cup: South Africa government appears to mock Tom Curry racism storm during celebrations
The sentence “the Webb Ellis is in South Africa’s kant” was part of the official declaration.
While rejoicing in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup victory, the government of South Africa seemed to be making fun of the racism controversy surrounding Tom Curry and Bongi Mbonambi.
At the Stade de France, the Springboks defeated New Zealand 12–11 to win their record-tying fourth World Cup.
Beauden Barrett scored a touchdown for the All Blacks, and Richie Mo’unga added two more penalties, but Handre Pollard’s four penalties were enough to keep them off. Sam Cane, the captain of New Zealand, was sent off for a high tackle, the first in a World Cup final red card.
However, the South African government later made a formal statement that would infuriate the RFU and rekindle relations with England.
England flanker Curry said that during South Africa’s 16–15 semifinal victory against the Red Rose men, Springboks hooker Mbonambi referred to him as a “white c***”.

The RFU was incensed that “victim” Curry was not given the chance to voice his grievances following a World Rugby investigation that found insufficient evidence to warrant a disciplinary hearing.
Supporters of the Springboks mistook Curry’s interpretation to mean that Mbonambi meant “wit kant,” which is Afrikaans for “white side.” Subsequently, during a training session, players from South Africa were seen on camera yelling “watter kant,” which means “which side.” Relations with the Twickenham chiefs were certain to worsen as the official celebratory statement carried a barb that the South African government could not help but make.
The government also expresses gratitude to all South Africans for supporting the squad and cheering them on during the exciting games. The Webb Ellis is in the kant of South Africa! Read the conclusion of the official statement from South Africa.
South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa was in Paris to watch the Springboks edge out New Zealand on Saturday night. The political figurehead joined the Springboks’ trophy presentation on the pitch in Paris, quickly taking the Webb Ellis Cup off victorious captain Siya Kolisi. The Springboks were ultimately deserved winners of a brutal World Cup campaign, defending their title from 2019 in Japan. All Blacks skipper Cane admitted he must live with the impact of his red card forever, while match referee Wayne Barnes has received death threats over his officiating, according to his wife.South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa was in Paris to watch the Springboks edge out New Zealand on Saturday night.
The political figurehead joined the Springboks’ trophy presentation on the pitch in Paris, quickly taking the Webb Ellis Cup off victorious captain Siya Kolisi. The Springboks were ultimately deserved winners of a brutal World Cup campaign, defending their title from 2019 in Japan. All Blacks skipper Cane admitted he must live with the impact of his red card forever, while match referee Wayne Barnes has received death threats over his officiating, according to his wife
“See ya later Rugby World Cup,” said co-founder of the Women’s Rugby Association Polly Barnes on social media. Polly is the wife of the English official who seized control of her husband’s first World Cup final. I won’t miss the death threats or you. When Barnes’ wife criticized a “vile atmosphere at the Stade de France,” she brought up the specter of social media abuse that plagues athletes and authorities in the field. Leading referee Barnes received death threats in 2007 following his call of play during France’s quarterfinal World Cup upset of New Zealand. Threats were made against Barnes and his family following his handling of South Africa’s 2022 loss to France in Marseille.