Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok legend Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira has announced his retirement from international rugby.

The 34-year-old veteran of 117 Tests confirmed his decision after a monumental performance in his final match, Saturday’s emphatic, 32-12, victory over England in the Rugby World Cup final in Yokohama, Japan.

In a trademark scrumming performance from the 115kg front ranker, the Springbok pack forced a succession of penalties from their opponents, many of them conceded by Mtawarira’s direct opponent. It crowned a storied career for the Springboks’ and Sharks’ gentle giant.

Mtawarira made his senior provincial debut for the Sharks in 2006 and won his first Springbok cap in 2008, setting records on the way.

‘Beast’ became the third most-capped Springbok (behind Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana), the most capped prop, made the most appearances for a South African Super Rugby team (159) and 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).

“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,” said Mtawarira.

Mr 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. 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,” said Mr Alexander.

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