Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Old Glory DC have pulled off an extraordinary coup with the signing of 2019 Rugby World Cup champion Tendai Mtawarira. Universally known as ‘Beast’, the 34-year-old Springbok legend has turned down offers from Europe to sign on for the 2020 Major League Rugby season.
With international giants Mathieu Bastareaud, Ma’a Nonu, and Juan Manuel Leguizamón already signed up to play in the third season of the North American league, the addition of Mtawarira is nonetheless remarkable. The powerful loosehead prop brought the curtains down on a glittering test career with a stunning demolition of England’s scrum in the World Cup final.
Mtawarira’s list of accomplishments includes participation in three World Cups, six wins against the All Blacks, and a series victory over the British & Irish Lions in 2009. His 117 Springbok caps are third-most in history and he is the all-time record holder for Super Rugby appearances by a South African player at 159, all with the Sharks. Most recently Mtawarira lined up for the Barbarians against Fiji and Brazil, his third and fourth appearances for the invitational side.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Mtawarira moved to South Africa as an 18-year-old to pursue a career in rugby. He now resides in Dolphin Coast, north of Durban, and said recently he plans to move into business upon retirement. A director at Fidelity Security Group, the largest security firm in South Africa, this may be the final stretch in Mtawarira’s playing career.
DC’s first entry into professional rugby now includes internationals from five different countries including World Cup centers Thretton Palamo and Ciaran Hearn. The team has begun preseason training under coach Andrew Douglas with their first regular season match scheduled for February 8 in New Orleans.
