Tendai Mtawarira

Tendai Mtawarira was born on August 1, 1985, in Harare, Zimbabwe. He is widely known by his nickname 'The Beast' and is a renowned rugby union player. Mtawarira's parents, Felix and Bertha, raised him in a small town in Zimbabwe where he developed a passion for rugby at a young age. This passion eventually led him to a successful career in professional rugby, playing as a prop for the South African national team, also known as the Springboks.

Tendai Mtawarira made his debut for the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, on June 14, 2008, in a match against Wales. The game took place in the iconic Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. Mtawarira's performance was notable, as he made an immediate impact with his physical presence on the field. This match marked the beginning of a prolific international career, during which he became one of the most capped players in South African rugby history.

In June 2009, Tendai Mtawarira played a critical role in South Africa's victory over the British and Irish Lions during their tour. Particularly in the first test at Durban on June 20, Mtawarira's performance against the Lions' prop, Phil Vickery, was outstanding. He gained international acclaim for his scrummaging ability, which proved to be a crucial factor in the Springboks securing a win in the series. This series bolstered his reputation as one of the leading props in international rugby.

One of the standout moments in Tendai Mtawarira's career came on June 5, 2010, when he scored a memorable try against France. The match, held at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, saw Mtawarira show exceptional agility and power, typical of his performances. This try became one of the highlights of his career, showcasing his capability not just in the scrums but also in open play. It demonstrated Mtawarira's all-around rugby skills and contributed to his growing legacy as a versatile and powerful player.

On September 11, 2011, Tendai Mtawarira made his Rugby World Cup debut in a match against Wales. The game was part of the 2011 Rugby World Cup held in New Zealand. Mtawarira's participation was pivotal as the Springboks began their campaign to defend their title from 2007. His performance in the tournament was characterized by strong scrummaging and solid defensive play, reaffirming his status as a key player in the Springbok lineup. Although South Africa did not win the World Cup that year, Mtawarira's contributions were significant.

Tendai Mtawarira was instrumental in South Africa's triumphant campaign at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. On November 2, 2019, Mtawarira played a key role in the final against England, held in Yokohama, Japan. His dominance in the scrums was a pivotal factor in the Springboks' 32-12 victory. This win marked South Africa's third Rugby World Cup triumph. Mtawarira's powerful performance in the final earned him praise, and he cemented his legacy as one of the greatest props in rugby history.

Just days after winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Tendai Mtawarira announced his retirement from international rugby on November 6, 2019. In a statement, Mtawarira expressed gratitude for his career and the opportunity to represent South Africa. Over his 11-year international career, he earned 117 caps, making him one of the most capped players in South African rugby history. His decision marked the end of an era, but also the enduring influence of his contributions to the team's successes over the years, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and dedication.

In February 2020, Tendai Mtawarira moved to the United States and signed with Old Glory DC to play in Major League Rugby. On February 13, 2020, it was announced that he had become a U.S. resident, a move that surprised many in the rugby community. Mtawarira brought his extensive experience to the fledgling MLR, contributing to the growth of the sport in the U.S. His involvement was seen as a coup for Old Glory DC, as his presence boosted the team's profile and showcased the globalization of rugby union.

On November 16, 2021, Tendai Mtawarira was appointed to the board of directors of the Sharks, one of South Africa's premier rugby franchises. His appointment was heralded as a strategic move by the Sharks, leveraging Mtawarira's extensive experience and leadership skills. In his new role, he was expected to provide valuable insights into team development and player welfare, contributing to the franchise's overall growth. This position also marked Mtawarira's continued involvement in rugby beyond his playing career.

In June 2022, Tendai Mtawarira was named a Laureus Ambassador, joining a prestigious group of sports figures committed to social change through sport. As a Laureus Ambassador, Mtawarira's role involves promoting the Foundation's work in using sport as a tool for social transformation, particularly in underprivileged communities. This honor underscores his commitment to utilizing his influence and stature to make a difference off the field, further solidifying his legacy as both a sports icon and a role model.