This weekend, Tendai Beast Mtawarira joins the 100 Test club. His journey has been an interesting one, considering the fact that he started his rugby career as a loose forward and not a prop.
Beast Mtawarira
The Beast Mtawarira started his rugby career an an eighth man in the Sharks rugby academy, but his value as a prop was soon recognized. His scrumming strength aside, his power lifting of lock forwards has always been impressive.
The Sharks
As a prop, Beast has played 146 games for the Sharks in Super Rugby in addition to his 99 Tests for the Springboks. Throw into that impressive CV a further 36 games for the Sharks in the Currie Cup competition and you arrive at a player that has always been the first to have his name included on the team sheet. Mtawarira was interviewed by broadcaster SuperSport before the occasion of his 100th Test.
Public support
Beast Mtawarira enjoys huge public support. When running with the ball in hand, even opposing team supporters shout “”Beast!”. He endeared himself even further to the South African public back in 2010, when his Zimbabwean citizenship became an issue, by stating:
“ I am a South African at heart. I love this country. It has become my home. It is everything to me. Wearing the green and gold of the Springboks is a huge honour for me. That jersey is part of me. The green and gold flows in my blood. I feel just as much pride as any other guy in the team.”
What does the future hold for the Beast?
Mtawarira has not made any public statements regarding his playing future. One thing we can be sure of is that he will have his sights seto on the 2019 Rugby World Cup to be hosted by Japan. At that stage he will be 33 years old. It is not inconceivable that he will call it quits on his international career after the Rugby World Cup and reward himself for his dedicated service to South African rugby with a two year contract in Europe to experience something new before finally retiring from the game.
Last Word on Rugby wishes the Beast a great game on Saturday against England in Bloemfontein.
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