Share

Beast lost to Springbok rugby?

Gerdie Karstens

Kimberley – Sharks loosehead prop Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira may be lost to Springbok rugby.

Mtawarira, who has played 22 Tests for South Africa, was omitted from the Bok side to play Wales in Cardiff on June 5.

His omission follows the insistence by the South African government that no overseas players may be included in national teams.

This is in spite of Mtawarira living in South Africa for longer than five years and that he has met the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) criteria. However, he apparently does not have a South African passport.

The concern around the 25-year-old’s inclusion was raised for the first time in November when Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile tried to stop him from touring France, Ireland and Italy with the Boks.

Stofile even went as far as placing advertisements in local media to protest Mtawarira’s inclusion. This after the player had already made his debut for South Africa in 2008.

SARU offered Mtawarira a contract in February with the hope that his application for citizenship would be speedily resolved. However, it is still dragging on for unknown reasons.

The issue also raised questions why other Zimbabweans such as Tonderai Chavhanga and Brian Mujati were allowed to play for the Boks by the South African government.

Sharks commercial manager Rudolf Straeuli confirmed to Sport24 on Wednesday that the Durbanites had followed all the regulations to get Mtawarira as a player.

“The Sharks followed all the correct procedures on Beast. We took all the legal steps. Beast joined our academy and is still with us,” said Straeuli.

Mtawarira may look to continue his rugby career elsewhere because of his treatment by the South African government.

On Wednesday he expressed his worry about the current situation on Twitter.

“To be left out of the Bok team for the first Test because of citizenship is really bad. I cherish that Bok jersey more than anything. I hope the problem can be resolved as soon as possible,” he said.

Rugby365 reports that SARU’s manager of national teams, Andy Marinos, confirmed that Mtawarira would need the government’s permission before he could play for the Boks again.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE