South Africa's World Cup-winning prop Tendai Mtawarira has announced his retirement from international rugby.
The 34-year-old, whose ball carries led to affectionate chants of 'Beast' in stadia around the world, was a stand-out performer, as the Springboks beat England 32-12 to lift the Webb Ellis Cup, the last of his 117 tests.
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He won several scrum penalties on the loosehead side, as South Africa dominated the set-piece to lay the platform for their third World Cup title.
"I am grateful for the opportunities afforded to me by many top coaches at the Springboks and the Sharks, and grateful to my numerous teammates in green and gold, and black and white, over the years," Mtawarira said.
"But most of all, to my wife Kuziva, and our two beautiful children - Talumba and Wangu - for sacrificing so much to allow me to chase my dreams. I really appreciate it immensely.
"I've been blessed to have been part of teams that achieved so much success over the years and I have many memories to cherish forever, but I can honestly say that winning the Rugby World Cup is the perfect ending and cherry on top."
Mtawarira retires as the third most-capped Bok, behind former lock Victor Matfield (127 caps) and wing Bryan Habana (124).
He won his first cap in 2008 and also has the most appearances of any South African in Super Rugby, with 159, all for the Durban-based Sharks.
Reuters
