Tunnel Tensions: Contepomi Slams Curry as a “Bully” After Final Whistle Clash

A heated post-match moment has overshadowed England’s narrow 27-23 win over Argentina, as Pumas coach Felipe Contepomi accused England flanker Tom Curry of being a “bully.” The claim came after a late challenge by Curry on Argentina’s Juan Cruz Mallía, which Contepomi says left the fullback with a serious knee injury.

Contepomi did not hold back during his post-game news conference. He described Curry’s tackle on Mallía as “reckless,” suggesting it may have caused a suspected ACL injury.  But beyond the field, things got more personal. According to Contepomi, Curry approached him in the tunnel after the match, and things escalated quickly. “He came off … and he gave me a little smack,” said Contepomi, adding that the contact was more than a tap — he clarified it was “a push, a hit … on the chest.”

Contepomi, now 48, questioned the physical imbalance, pointing out that Curry is strong and in his prime. He said:

“I am 48 … he comes and just hits. Maybe that’s the way he is … maybe it’s his way of being a bully.”

What made Contepomi even angrier was what he claims followed. “I said: ‘Mate, you broke his knee.’ He said: ‘F*** off,’ and pushed me like that.” He criticized Curry’s lack of apology, saying that after injuring someone, a humble “sorry” is the least that should happen — but “he went the opposite.”

Contepomi raised broader questions about the kind of behavior being rewarded in rugby. “Maybe those are the guys we are praising … maybe that’s where we want rugby to go,” he mused.

Final Thought
What was meant to be a strong finish to England’s autumn Test series has instead sparked a deeper conversation about respect, aggression, and sportsmanship in rugby. Contepomi’s sharp words put Curry under the spotlight — not just for his play, but for his character.