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Steve Borthwick weighs in on tunnel incident after huge accusation
By Josh Raisey at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
England head coach Steve Borthwick has said that flanker Tom Curry’s “character is impeccable” after his counterpart Felipe Contepomi labelled him a “bully” following the Pumas’ 27-23 loss at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
The Argentina boss was unable to hide his frustration post-match, not only regarding a late tackle from the Englishman on his full-back Juan Cruz Mallía, but also over being allegedly “hit” by him in the tunnel after the match.
The alleged incident came after a post-match brawl spilled into the tunnel, leading the Pumas boss to throw out some significant accusations.
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Not only did he accuse the British and Irish Lion of swearing at him and shoving him, but added that it’s “probably part of his nature to bully people.”
While Borthwick admitted he did see the incident between the pair, he bluntly refuted the attack on Curry’s character post-match.
“I’m clearly aware there was an incident,” the England boss said. “I didn’t see it, I wasn’t there, I was in the changing room at the time. I’m aware of it. I wouldn’t want an incident like that to be the centre of attention of what was a tough, hard Test match where two teams went at it. That’s all I’ve got to say about it.
“Anyone in this room that’s had any contact with Tom Curry knows his character is impeccable. He’s a fantastic team man and a respectful guy. I think Tom Curry’s character is unquestionable.”
Like his coach, England captain Maro Itoje could not shed any more light on the incident either, but said that “emotions are always flying high”.
“I’m unaware of what happened in the tunnel,” Itoje said. “But post-game on the pitch, emotions are always flying high. You see that in almost every game whether that’s Test match or club game or even National One, so that’s part and parcel of rugby, I guess.”
