Tendai Mtawarira: South Africa prop retires from internationals after World Cup

Last updated on 6 November 2019.From the section Rugby Union127

South Africa's World Cup-winning prop Tendai Mtawarira has announced his retirement from international rugby.

The 34-year-old, nicknamed "Beast", is South Africa's third most capped player in history, having played 117 Tests since his debut in 2008.

In the World Cup final Mtawarira helped the Boks dominate England in the scrum.

"I have many memories to cherish forever, but winning the Rugby World Cup is the perfect ending and cherry on top," he said.

Saturday's 32-12 victory over England in the final in Yokohama proved to be his last international.

"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 Mark Alexander, president of South Africa Rugby.

Mtawarira has played for the Durban-based Sharks in Super Rugby since 2007.

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127 comments

Not a bad way to go, World Champ! Farewell.
Well done to the Beast - a fantastic servant for the Boks.
The Beast. Will be fondly remembered for the book ends of his career. Destroying Vickery during the Lions tour of 2009 and then destroying Dan Cole during the RWC Final. Awesome. Baie dankie Beast!
first comment - legend
We could have done with him retiring last Friday. Very inconsiderate of him. Good luck to him.
A great servant to SA and my abiding memory will be of him hanging onto Etzebeth on the Argentina restart in 2016! Best wishes from an England rugby fan.

A pity some childish morons are just using this to have a go at England and showi ng such disrespect to a tremendous player.
A proper old school prop but with the ability to play the modern game. If he fancies retiring to Glos to see out a few seasons With some fellow Saffers we’ll look after him.

Within the salary cap obviously.
Take a bow Beastie, you will definitely be missed.
A very unassuming player, with extreme strength, huge heart and humility to boot. Not many top tier sportsmen around like that. Fambai zvakanaka Beeeast!
Always sad to see a character of the game retire, McCaw, Gregan, Johnson etc, but best of luck to him. I'm not aware of any doubtful incidents by him on the rugby field, he leaves therefore as a fine player and, what's important, a gentleman.
So much ♥️ for this man. A lot of people may not know this, but Beast’s story is a truly great immigrant’s fairy tale.

He left Zimbabwe at 19 to pursue his dream of becoming a professional rugby player and despite hostility from a xenophobic Sports ministry and the ethnic violence ordinary Zimbabweans live in fear of in South Africa, he has risen to become a global icon.

#Proud2knowHim
I shall always remember the way the crowds would scream "Beaaassstt" whenever he touched the ball. You go well, my good man. You have served South Africa well.
Farewell beast, an absolute Springbok legend and a model professional and role model. Thank you for your service to the sharks and Springbok over the years. 🇿🇦
I’m glad he’s retiring. Won’t have to watch him play us (England) again!

Good luck to him
Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaasssssssstttt
Walk away and job done. Destroyed the English scrum and what a servant to the Boks. A giant in every way. Well done fella. Would you mind playing for Ireland as we need a bit of help!!!
Two career defining performances. Against Dan Cole on Saturday and Phil Vickery on the skiing tour in 2009. Rare for a prop to define two such high profile games. Retiring with a Lions series win and a World Cup winners medal a rare achievement
What a man what a BEAST of a man! He destroyed Phil Vickery in 2009 and on Saturday the destroyed Cole! Look if Sinckler had played I am sure he would have received the same treatment too! So step up Steven Kitshoff you are now officially SA's No 1 loosehead prop, not a bad replacement with 45 caps to his name already! Lots of depth in the front 5 for SA future, Go well Beast and Thank You!!!!!!!
104, Juggernaut, I agree. Having played both hooker and prop I dont recall the front row ever planning to go forward in a straight line, so that criticism could apply to any front row forward. I take exception to singling out Tendai. Last weekend the English front row were simply outmuscled by better scrummaging, so no underhand tricks, simply well and truly beaten.
Congrats Tendai, you have served South Africa so well and may we miss the crowds roar of "The Beast" at the International level!