England need to provide their version of events surrounding Tom Curry and Felipe Contepomi’s tunnel collision before the Six Nations decide whether to launch an investigation.
Argentina coach Contepomi called England flanker Curry a “bully” and claimed he “punched” him in the tunnel after England’s 27-23 win on Sunday.
The South American team lodged an official complaint on Sunday night after coach Contepomi claimed Curry pushed him and told him to “fuck off.”
Contepomi also accused the British and Irish Lions flanker of being a “bully”.
The Six Nations oversees the running of the autumn internationals, including disciplinary procedures, and is understood to have asked England for their views on the sanction.
It is hoped that all information will be collated by Tuesday morning, at which point it will be determined whether there are grounds for an investigation on grounds of bringing the match into disrepute.
The first flashpoint was Curry’s late tackle on Juan Cruz María in the 75th minute, which sent the full-back off, and Argentina confirmed on Monday that Curry had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee.
Curry’s challenge was punished with a penalty, but it was not mentioned by the TV match official, and Sale’s back row avoided being cited because the offense did not meet the criteria for a red card.
With Maria off the field, Pumas had to finish a desperately close game with 14 men.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports News’ James Cole explains England v Argentina’s 27-23 win
Contepomi left the coach’s box to protest the tackle and at the final whistle a scuffle broke out between the teams, culminating in a flashpoint with Curry.
“Callie, I’ll tell you, it’s probably part of his nature to bully people. He came into the tunnel and gave me a little slap. He’s 27 years old and he’s strong. I’m 48 years old,” Contepomi said.
“I was standing there and he had come to say “hello” to one of our coaches and we were upset because he was being reckless and broke our player’s knee.
“When he came, I said, ‘Hey, I broke my knee,’ and he said, ‘Fuck you,’ and shoved me. Maybe that’s his personality. I don’t know him. I’m not happy with the situation.”
“After you break someone’s knee, you at least have to be humble and respectful and say you’re sorry for what you did wrong. But he went the other way.
“Maybe that’s just his way of being a bully. If you want to be a bully in this game, good luck. I know it’s rugby, but in rugby it can be dangerous if you don’t look out for each other.”
Curry given penalty for hit on Juan Cruz María after kick, suspected anterior cruciate ligament knee injury
Contepomi added that the tunnel riot was caught on camera and that England manager Richard Hill was also present. The RFU is understood to be prepared to provide footage if required.
England head coach Steve Borthwick and center Henry Slade rejected the Argentine side’s description of Curry as a “bully”, with Borthwick insisting he had no knowledge of what happened in the tunnel.
Contepomi slashed an enraged pitchside figure following Curry’s late tackle on Maria
In response to Contepomi’s post-match comments, Borthwick defended Curry.
“I will not be commenting on the referee’s decisions during the match and will be posting this immediately.
“Regarding the incident in the tunnel, I am clearly aware that it took place, but I did not see it and was not there. I was in the changing room at the time.
“I’m aware of that. It was a tough, hard Test match this afternoon with two really competitive teams and that’s all I really want to say about that. I don’t want that to be the center of attention in any way.”
“I think everyone in this room who has had contact with Tom Curry knows the kind of person he is. His character is impeccable, he’s a great team man, he’s a very polite guy. There’s no question about Tom Curry’s character.”
England head coach Steve Borthwick defends Curry in aftermath
England captain Maro Itoje added to the media:
“I don’t know what happened in the tunnel, but there’s always a lot of emotion on the pitch after a game. You see that in almost every game, whether it’s a Test match, a club game or an international game. I think that’s part of rugby.”
“Both teams have a huge amount of respect for each other. We’ve played each other three times this year and I know a lot of the players from the Premiership and beyond. All in all, I think it was a tough, tough old Test match.”
