Post-Match Drama Overshadows England Victory
England secured a hard-fought 27-23 win against Argentina at the Allianz Stadium in London on Sunday, 23 November 2025, but the triumph was quickly overshadowed by a furious tunnel bust-up. The flashpoint involved England flanker Tom Curry and Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi, with the latter branding the English player a 'bully'.
Controversial Tackle Ignites Tensions
The ill-feeling stemmed from a 75th-minute tackle by Curry on Argentine full-back Juan Cruz Mallia. The challenge forced Mallia from the field with a suspected ACL knee injury, leaving his side to finish the match with only 14 players. While the referee awarded a penalty for the tackle, the decision was not referred to the television match official, a move that incensed the Argentine camp.
Contepomi was so angered that he left the coach's box to protest the challenge. At the final whistle, a large scuffle erupted between the two teams, which then spilled into the tunnel and escalated into a direct confrontation between Contepomi and Curry.
‘He Gave Me a Little Smack’ – Contepomi’s Explosive Claims
Speaking after the match, the 48-year-old Argentine coach did not hold back in his criticism of the 27-year-old England forward. "Curry, let me say, it is probably part of his nature to bully people," Contepomi stated. "He came into the tunnel and he gave me a little smack. He is 27, strong. I am 48."
Contepomi elaborated on the sequence of events, claiming he was standing in the tunnel when Curry approached. "I was standing there. He was coming to say ‘hi’ to one of our coaches (Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe), but Fernandez said ‘no, no’ because we were upset because he was reckless and broke our player’s knee," he explained. "When he came I said ‘mate, you broke his knee’, he said ‘f*** off’ and pushed me."
The coach expressed his dismay at Curry's perceived lack of remorse, adding, "After breaking someone’s knee you need to be at least humble enough and respectful to say sorry I did something wrong. But he went the opposite. Maybe it’s his way of being a bully. If we want bullies in this game, good on them."
Borthwick Defends Curry’s ‘Impeccable’ Character
In response, England head coach Steve Borthwick staunchly defended his player's character, though he admitted he had not witnessed the tunnel incident himself. "Tom Curry’s character is impeccable. He’s a fantastic team man, a very respectful guy. His character is unquestionable," Borthwick asserted.
Regarding the altercation, Borthwick said, "As for the incident in the tunnel, clearly I’m aware there was an incident. I didn’t see it, I wasn’t there, I was in the changing room at the time. I wouldn’t want that, in any instance, to be the centre of attention of what was a tough, hard Test match."
Despite the controversy, Borthwick praised his team for completing a clean sweep of victories for the month, marking their 11th consecutive win. He described the match as a "tough arm wrestle of a Test match" and acknowledged that while there is plenty to improve upon, he is "excited about the potential of the team moving forward."
