‘Beast’ hangs up his boots after stellar career

THE RETIREMENT of Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira marks the end of a colourful sporting story that began at Churchill’s high school in Zimbabwe and ended with winning the rugby world Cup in Japan.

Chants of “Beeeeaast” will no longer be heard in the international arena after much-loved Springbok prop announced his retirement from Test rugby yesterday.

The Beast was simply magnificent in the final against England, destroying his opposite number in the set scrums, and with there being little more that the 34-year-old can achieve in the green and gold jersey, he is saying goodbye.

Capped 117 times for his adopted country, only Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana have played more Tests for the Boks than the former Zimbabwean.

Mtawarira made the most appearances for a South African Super Rugby team (159 for the Sharks); won the Rugby World Cup (2019); Tri-Nations (2009); Rugby Championship (2019); a series against the British and Irish Lions (2009); and the Currie Cup (in 2008, 2010 and 2013).

“I’ve been privileged to play this great game and achieve many career goals over the past 12 years of playing senior rugby,” said Mtawarira.

“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, but I can honestly say that winning the Rugby World Cup is the perfect ending and the cherry on top.

“I am grateful for the opportunities afforded me by many top coaches of the Springboks and the Sharks, and grateful to my numerous teammates over the years.

“But most of all to my wife Kuziva, and our two beautiful children Talumba and Wangu for sacrificing so much to allow me to chase my dreams. I really appreciate it.”

Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby, paid tribute to Mtawarira, who made his Springbok debut in the second Test against Wales in Pretoria in 2008.

“The 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 humility, but his desire to make it to the top. He worked very hard, and we’re all very proud of him.

“Beast, thank you for what you’ve done for South African rugby to show that the Springboks can indeed be gentle giants, and for never putting your own interests above that of the team. We salute you and we will miss you in the green and gold.”

Meanwhile, the streets of the Joburg CBD, Soweto and Tshwane are expected to be a hive of activity today as the Boks are due to parade the Webb Ellis Cup, which has been insured for over R500 000.

The Springboks will do the 80km bus ride from the Union Buildings in Pretoria at 8.30am, through the Joburg CBD at around 2pm, and wrap up at Orlando Stadium in Soweto at around 4pm. (See graphics for routes)

Johannesburg metro police department’s Wayne Minnaar said there would be no road closures in Joburg and Soweto. | Additional reporting by Sakhile Ndlazi