Cape Town - Springbok prop Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira shocked the rugby world when he announced his international retirement on Wednesday.
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SA Rugby's press release wasn't clear whether "Beast" would still be playing for the Sharks, or abroad, stating only that the 34-year-old would be quitting Test rugby.
Many were left surprised by the timing of the announcement, considering Mtawarira put in a remarkable shift in the Rugby World Cup final against England last Saturday.
In addition, a tour of South Africa by the British & Irish Lions looms some 18 months away in mid-2021.
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Factfile on Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira:
Born: August 1, 1985
Place of birth: Harare, Zimbabwe
Tests played: 117
Tests won: 74
Tests lost: 38
Tests drawn: 5
Tests started: 102
Tests as a substitute: 15
Test debut: v Wales in Pretoria, June 14, 2008
Last Test: v England in Yokohama, November 2, 2019
Test points: 10 (2 tries v Italy in Cape Town, June 21, 2008 and v Fiji in Wellington, September 17, 2011)
Yellow cards: 1
Red cards: 0
Interesting facts:
- Mtawarira played against 15 different countries during his career, beating every one at least once. He has 100% win records against Fiji, Namibia, Samoa and the USA. No surprise that his worst win % is against New Zealand (6/20).
- Mtawarira is the third-most capped Springbok (117) of all time behind Victor Matfield (127) and Bryan Habana (124).
- With his 117 caps, Mtawarira is the joint-14th most capped international forward of all time and the fifth most capped prop ever.
List of titles and achievements:
1 - Rugby World Cup
1 - Rugby Championship
1 - Tri-Nations
1 - British Lions tour
3 - Currie Cup
159 - Super Rugby caps
Go well, Beast. Thanks for the memories.
- Compiled by Garrin Lambley