Tendai Mtawarira makes Sharks exit

Former South Africa international and recent World Cup winner Tendai Mtawarira has announced his exit from Super Rugby club Sharks ahead of the 2020 season.

‘Beast’ Mtawarira made his professional rugby debut with Sharks in 2006 with his Super Rugby debut coming a year later. He also holds the record for the most Super Rugby appearances for a South African player with 159 games.

The 34-year-old was part of the World Cup winning squad of South Africa in Japan that defeated England in the final but announced his retirement from international rugby following the tournament.

He will now feature for Barbarians alongside Rory Best, Mathieu Bastareaud, Herschel Jantijies and Argentinian prop Ramiro Herrera later this month.

"I have had a fairytale ending to my playing career in South Africa and could not have asked for anything more as a player,’ Mtawarira said in a statement.

"I haven’t ruled out the possibility of playing overseas, but at this stage, I want to absorb everything that’s going on right now and make a final decision at the end of November after the Barbarians game.

"It has been my absolute honour to wear the black and white jersey and I am eternally grateful to the Sharks for giving me the opportunity many years ago, and laying the foundation for my professional career."