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 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.
MOST-CAPPED BOK PROP: Tendai Mtawarira. Picture: Peter CziborraReuters.
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 World Cup, Tri-Nations (2009), Rugby Championship (2019), a series against the British & Irish Lions (2009) and the Currie Cup (2008, 2010 and 2013).
Of his decision to retire, Mtawarira says: “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 World Cup is the perfect ending and cherry on top.
🇿🇦 x 117 - Test Caps
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 6, 2019
🙌 x2 - Test Tries
🦈 x 159 - Vodacom Super Rugby caps
🏆 x1 - Rugby World Cup
🏆 x1 - Castle Lager Rugby Championship
🏆 x1 - Tri Nations
🎖 x1 - British & Irish Lions Tour
🥇 x3 - Currie Cups
Forever a legend of Springbok Rugby. pic.twitter.com/I9YhAthnqd
“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.”