World Cup-winning South African prop Tendai Mtawarira has today announced his retirement from international rugby.
The 34-year-old affectionally known as ‘Beast’ played 117 Tests for South Africa – the third most caps of any South African, and the most of any prop in the country’s history.
“I’ve been privileged to play this great game and achieve many career goals over the last 12 years of playing senior rugby,” Mtawarira said on social media.
“I’ve been blessed to have been part of teams that achieved so much success over the years, and I have many memories to cherish forever, but I can honestly say that winning the Rugby World Cup is the perfect ending and cherry on top.”
Earning crowd chants of “Beast” with his dominant ball carries, Mtawarira once again lived up to his nickname in the World Cup final against England, winning scrum penalties and gaining metres with ball in hand.
The veteran was lauded by SARU president Mark Alexander for his hard-working yet soft-hearted character.
“Beast is someone who never complained, always put in the hard work and simply got on with his job in his typically unassuming way,” said Alexander.
“When he first got an opportunity at the Sharks, he rode a bicycle to training, which perfectly sums up not only his humbleness but his desire to make it to the top. He worked very hard to achieve what he has and we’re all very proud of him.”
The Springboks’ World Cup win capped off an already decorated Test career for Mtawarira who has won the Tri-Nations (2009), Rugby Championship (2019), and a series against the British & Irish Lions (2009).
As well as his record-setting Test career, Mtawarira has also made the most appearances in Super Rugby of any Springbok. Debuting in 2006 for Durban-based Sharks, he finished with 159 games played.
“I am grateful for the opportunities afforded to me by many top coaches at the Springboks and the Sharks, and grateful to my numerous teammates in green and gold, and black and white, over the years.”
Mtawarira has not yet made it clear whether his retirement extends to his Super Rugby career.
Gilbert
Roar Rookie
BEEAASSST! Entered & exited the test arena destroying scrums. What a man.
If it was a red it would have been a travesty. Judicial committee didn’t see that as a red otherwise he would have been cited.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Had a few. 2015 game against Japan was a shocker. Conceded more penalties than any player in a game that tournament. Nearly repeated it again against Japan 2019. That tip tackle early on arguably should have been red not yellow and that could have cost the Boks the tournament. Rassie subbed him very early.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Very imbeastive!! :laughing:
Peterj
Guest
A truly brilliant player. Ultra consistent. Has he ever had a bad game? A wonderful ambassador for rugby and the jerseys he wears. You will be missed!
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Yes please, Dan Cole will be shouting “Beast” in his dreams!
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Ha ha that is a classic Harry ! That Lions series was the end of one great career - Vickery and the start of another in Beast. What character of the game. I liked his speech in the sheds after the Final when Prince Harry was there. What a way to finish off his International career.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Brilliant!
Harry Jones
Expert
His great former teammate Bismarck du Plessis explained why Beast was so good in that Vickery demolition, in the Times of London last weekend: he was trying to impress a girl (his future wife) who traveled from Zimbabwe to come see him. Legend.
Clyde
Guest
It’s fitting that the Beast started off his career by destroying and ending the career of Phil Vickery, and to finish off his career Beast destroying and ending another great English tight heads career, Dan Cole is just awesome.
Phast Phil
Guest
The beast will be missed awesome competitor and crowd favourite even for a Wallabies fan