A LEGEND HANGS UP HIS BOOTS

Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira leaves international rugby on a high after the Springboks’ recent glorious world cup win

- Franco Havenga

ASK anyone who’s ever played with him to describe him and the anecdotes and accolades fly thick and fast.

Unbelievable in the scrum. A guy who leads by example. One of the hardest-working players in the team. A gem. A gentleman. A real loss to Springbok rugby.

Ever since Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira announced he was retiring from international rugby after 117 Tests and a career that’s the stuff of dreams, people have been singing his praises.

And for good reason. Beast is a Bok stalwart, a demon in the scrum and a formidable loosehead prop who puts his body on the line every time he sets foot on the field.

So there was shock and sadness when the 34-year-old announced he was bowing out shortly after the Rugby World Cup.

Yet what a time to hang up your boots, he says. “The fact that I could end my rugby career by winning the world cup is amazing. It’s every player’s dream to win it.”

Making that glorious night in Japan all the more memorable was the fact that wife Kuzivakwashe Makore-Mtawa rira (28), daughter Talumba (8) and son Wangu (6) were watching from the stands.

“I was crying – if not wailing – in the stands,” recalls Kuzivakwashe – or Ku, as her husband calls her. “I kept thinking this is all Tendai ever wanted in his career.

“He’s been so diligent and disciplined. He’s given 12 years of his life to the game and for him to reach that ultimate goal and for me to experience it from the stands was phenomenal.”

Hooker Malcolm Marx, who’s often played in the scrum with Beast, says the veteran Bok’s reputation, hard work and achievements in his career tell you everything you need to know about him.

“Having a guy like Beast with you in the scrum is unbelievable,” he says. “I’ve learnt a lot from him.”