Bok legend Beast set to launch wine label
After a successful rugby career, former Springbok and Sharks star Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira continues to make even bigger moves in the business world.
Former Sharks strongman and 2019 Rugby World Cup-winner Mtawarira is set to make another addition to his business portfolio by launching his wine label soon.
Mtawarira, 36, has become a full-time businessman after calling time on his illustrious career as a prop in 2019.
He has scored a few ambassadorship roles and a seat on the Sharks board, and is now expanding his portfolio into wine production.
“We are actually planning the launch now, so you kind of jumped the gun there and obviously you caught wind of it,” Mtawarira said.
“But, ja, I’m actually quite a big secret wine lover. I enjoy it a lot and now I’ve done a partnership with some prominent wine estates in the Cape, and we are launching the Beast Wine Collection, which is going to be packed with some amazing wine.
“I’m looking forward to unpacking that a bit more when it gets into the market.”
Businesses Mtawarira has ventured into since his playing days include running a security company and getting his foundation up and running.
“Life after rugby for me has been quite hectic, but I’m certainly enjoying it,” he said.
“I’ve hit the ground sprinting between many things, and when I look back on my career, I get goose bumps and I’m very proud that I could achieve so much and play the number of games that I played representing the Springboks and the Sharks.
“I look back with a big smile. I had a plan that I kind of laid down before I retired from rugby, and I think that’s what made a big difference.
“Some of the ventures I’m currently in include running a security company called Umlindi Security, which is part of Fidelity Group.”
The Sharks’ longest-serving player has gone back to school and is doing an MBA.
“That’s probably the toughest thing I’ve started after rugby, to try and get back to school because I realised that education is important for my future in business.
“I want to have a strong academic qualification ... and I also have my foundation, the Beast Foundation, which is my way of giving back to the people who have empowered me and also helping the next generation.
“I also sit on the board of the Sharks.” Mtawarira has also credited his success in part to his partnership with the Roc Nation Sports International agency.
The father of two was recently announced as the ambassador for humanitarian and developmental aid for Unicef in eastern and Southern Africa.
“I’m going to focus on getting access to quality education for children in this region, among other things.”