UPDATE: The Six Nations has launched an urgent review into the heated confrontation between Tom Curry and Felipe Contepomi in the tunnel at Twickenham following England’s narrow 27-23 victory over Argentina. An official complaint was filed by Argentina late Sunday night, prompting the governing body to seek England’s account of the incident before determining if an investigation is warranted.
The clash erupted after Curry’s controversial tackle in the 75th minute, which resulted in Argentine player Juan Cruz Mallia suffering a serious ACL knee injury. Contepomi accused Curry of being a “bully,” claiming the England flanker shoved him and uttered offensive remarks during the heated exchange. “When he came I said ‘mate, you broke his knee,’ he said ‘f**k off’ and pushed me,” Contepomi stated, emphasizing the need for humility and respect following such a reckless play.
The fallout has been swift, with the Six Nations requesting a detailed report from the English Rugby Football Union (RFU) by Tuesday morning (GMT). This timeline indicates that a decision on whether to pursue an inquiry could come as soon as tomorrow. The incident raises concerns about player conduct and the integrity of the game, with potential disciplinary actions on the horizon.
The confrontation escalated as Contepomi, visibly upset by the tackle, left the coaching box to confront Curry. The atmosphere turned tense after the match, leading to a scuffle in the tunnel. England head coach Steve Borthwick and center Henry Slade have both defended Curry, disputing Contepomi’s claims and asserting they have no knowledge of the altercation.
The RFU has indicated a willingness to provide video footage of the incident, which Contepomi claims was recorded, potentially adding further clarity to the situation. All eyes are now on the Six Nations as they navigate the complexities of this incident, which threatens to overshadow the autumn international series.
As this story develops, the rugby community is left to ponder the ramifications for Curry, Contepomi, and the integrity of the sport. Fans and analysts alike are urged to stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds.
