Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira Retires From Internationals After World Cup Triumph
South Africa rugby team prop Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira has retired from international rugby following the Springboks’ recent Rugby World Cup success.
The 34-year-old bows out as the most capped prop in South African history with 117 caps.
“I’ve been privileged to play this great game and achieve many career goals over the last 12 years of playing senior rugby,”
“I’ve been blessed to have been part of teams that achieved so much success over the years, but I can honestly say that winning the Rugby World Cup is the perfect ending and cherry on top.” said Mtawarira.
Mtawarira retires as the third-most capped Springbok behind Victor Matfield (127 caps) and Bryan Habana (124).
Mtawarira announced his decision after a monumental performance in his final match as South Africa pummeled England, with his brute force overwhelming the England side during scrummage.
He won his first cap against Wales in 2008 and also has the most appearances of any South African in Super Rugby with 159, all for the Sharks.
The Beast has won the Rugby World Cup (2019), Tri-Nations (2009), Rugby Championship (2019), a series against the British & Irish Lions (2009) and the Currie Cup (2008, 2010 and 2013).
Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, paid tribute to Mtawarira.
“Beast is someone who never complained, always put in the hard work and simply got on with his job in his typically unassuming way,”
“’Beast’, thank you for what you’ve done for South African rugby, to show that Springboks can indeed be gentle giants, and for never putting your own interests above that of the team. We salute you and will miss you in green and gold.” said Alexander.
By Gerald Dandah
