Johannesburg (AFP)
The legendary South African pillar Tendai Mtawarira, better known by the nickname "The Beast", confirmed Wednesday her international retirement just days after the Springbok triumph at the Rugby World Cup.
The 34-year-old mover-mated physicist - 1.83m tall for 116kg - kicked off last season's South African XV final against England (32-12), before being replaced in the second half by Steven Kitshoff.
With 117 selections, he is the third most successful player in the history of "Boks", behind the second line Victor Matfield (127) and winger Bryan Habana (124).
"I had the privilege of playing this fantastic game and having many successes during my twelve-year career at the highest level," said Tendai Mtawarira, quoted by the South African Rugby Federation.
"I had the chance to be part of teams that have accumulated success (...) but I must honestly acknowledge that winning the Rugby World Cup is the icing on the cake and a perfect epilogue", a- he added.
Born in Zimbabwe, "The Beast" began his professional career in 2006 under the colors of the Durban Sharks (in Eastern South Africa), which he never left, and obtained two years later his first selection at the Springboks.
"+ The Beast + is someone who has never complained, who has never balked at work and has simply done his job in total modesty," paid tribute to the President of the Federation, Mark Alexander.
"+ The Beast +, thank you for all that you gave to South African rugby and for showing that the Springboks are also nice giants", continued the boss of SA Rugby, "we will miss you in green and gold . "
© 2019 AFP