Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira hangs up his boots

November 7, 2019 52

Soon after The Springboks reigned as the champions of the Rugby World Cup 2019; rugby veteran and Springboks prop Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira announced his retirement from international rugby.

Beast has earned 117 Test Caps over the course of 11 years whilst playing for the Boks. He is also the third most capped Springbok player of all time behind only Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana.

Mtawarira took to Twitter to drop his official retirement statement that read:

“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, 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. 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.

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 immensely. I would also like to thank my parents, other family and friends for their support over the years – I could not have done this without you.”

Following his announcement, fans and sports personalities shared their words of appreciation with the player:

The MAIN GUY!!

What a privilege it has been to have witnessed your career and what a way to finish.

Thanks for everything you gave the jersey and more!!! The hours of sacrifice that not everybody saw!!

Wishing you and the fam all the best for the next phase of your lives!! https://t.co/3dyRe37yCQ

— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) November 6, 2019