Sharks prop Beast to play abroad after RWC

Springboks and Sharks prop Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira has revealed that he will play his last Super Rugby season for the Sharks in 2015.

The Prop has been with the Sharks in Durban for eight years but he says that it is time for him to take his career abroad after the Rugby World Cup in England.

Twenty-eight-year-old Mtawarira hs played 55 Tests for the Springboks and says that he wants to play in Europe in order to get a fresh challenge.

“My goals for 2015 is to help the Sharks do well in Super Rugby and to help the Springboks win the World Cup. That would be a dream come true,” Mtawarira told MyPlayers.

“I’ll then look to relocate overseas. My preferred destination would be France. While many South Africans are heading to Japan, France is an attractive destination for my playing career and my young family.”

French Top 14 Tv rights were recently sold for a record amount and this has made the already cashed up clubs wealthier and they are signing more and more internationals from around the world.

“I’ll get to play against some of the world’s toughest front rows in Europe, which will be a great experience. I’ll get to learn much more about the game in foreign conditions. “

“Off the field, my family and I will have the chance to travel and explore new countries.”

Mtawarira said that it has been an honour to play for the Sharks since he made his debut in 2007 and some of his fondest memories are when the crows chant “Beast” and he also enjoys playing alongside the Du Plessis brothers.

“I first noticed the chants when I started playing for the senior team. It definitely motivated me to make a big impact,” said Mtawarira.

“And it’s been awesome to see how many rugby fans have adopted the call, including those supporting the other team! I hear supporters call my name even when I played outside South Africa. I’ll only probably realise how special this has been when I eventually hang up my boots.

“Playing alongside Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis has also been a privelege,” he continued.

“We’ve played together for many years for the Sharks and Springboks. This has created a tight brotherhood between us. We’re very close on and off the field.”

Off the playing field Mtawarira says that he is enjoying life as a family man and he is married with a daughter (three years old) and son (one year old).

“My family has given my life the perfect balance. They provide a great support base, giving me that extra boost of motivation,” he explained.

“We spend a lot of time together whenever we can, especially in recent weeks as I’ve been injured.

“We go on many family getaways. Mauritius is definitely our favourite destination. We’ve also started cycling as a family, which has been really special.”