Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira is not only one of the most well-known Springbok players but also one of the best forwards to have ever played for South Africa.

Born in Zimbabwe, the retired rugby player was noticed by Zimbabwean coach Joey Muwadzuri at the age of 15. Muwadzuri invited him to join the Under-19 team at the National Schools Festival. Six years later, Mtawarira joined the Sharks, where he spent 13 years with the Durban-based franchise. Known for his strength and scrummaging ability, he quickly earned the nickname “The Beast” and was called up to the Springbok squad in 2008.

After a strong Super 14 season in 2008 with the Sharks, it became clear that he had great potential, and his speed would be advantageous under the new rules (ELVs). Tendai Mtawarira made his debut for the Springboks against Wales on June 14, 2008. He continued to be a part of the starting lineup for all the subsequent Tri-Nations tests under coach Peter de Villiers.

A highlight of Mtawarira’s career came during the first test of the British & Irish Lions tour in 2009. Scrummaging against Phil Vickery, he dominated his more experienced opponent, leading to Vickery being substituted after 45 minutes and earning a man-of-the-match award for his performance.

Tendai Mtawarira participated in three Rugby World Cups, winning the 2019 edition when the Springboks defeated England 32-12 in the final. His scrummaging in the final was described as destructive, contributing to South Africa winning many scrum penalties.

Where is Tendai Mtawarira now?

He retired from rugby having played 117 Test matches for the Springboks, making him the most capped prop in South African history. After retiring in 2019, “The Beast” was appointed to the Sharks board two years later. In 2022, he became a Regional Ambassador for Eastern and Southern Africa with UNICEF.

Tendai Mtawarira also established a foundation called The Beast Foundation.

How good was The Beast at his peak?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/what-is-ex-springbok-prop-tendai-the-beast-mtawarira-doing-now/