Former South Africa prop Tendai Mtawarira is joining Washington’s Old Glory DC in the fledgling Major League Rugby in the U.S..
The Rugby World Cup winner, nicknamed “Beast”, will sign for a year after announcing his retirement from internationals after the Springboks were crowned world champions in Japan last month.
“I’m excited and look forward to joining my new teammates and adding value to my new franchise both on and off the field,” Mtawarira announced on Twitter.
“I believe this opportunity will allow me to mentor the rugby youth in D.C and help in my small way to grow the game in the America,” .
1/2 Delighted to confirm that I’ve signed with @usmlr‘s @OldGloryDC !!
I’m excited and look forward to joining my new teammates and adding value to my new franchise both on and off the field. I believe this opportunity will allow me to mentor the rugby youth in D.C .. pic.twitter.com/D4bxTtrSPV
— Tendai Mtawarira (@Beast_TM) December 18, 2019
One of the things that attracted me to @OldGloryDC was the opportunity to work with various youths from different backgrounds and being an Ambassador for Washington Youth Rugby and @EagleImpactAcad will allow me to do that.
EIRA are the largest rugby Academy in the USA. pic.twitter.com/XLKmAD2paP
— Tendai Mtawarira (@Beast_TM) December 19, 2019
Mtawarira, 34, was born in Zimbabwe but played 117 times for the Springboks, becoming an icon in South African rugby.
Old Glory DC are new to MLR, which starts its third season in February with 12 teams and a growing array of international names such as former England fullback Ben Foden and France centre Matthieu Bastareaud in New York.
Former New Zealand centre Ma’a Nonu plays for San Diego and ex-All Blacks winger Rene Ranger and Australia back Digby Ioane are with Colorado Raptors.
Champions Seattle Seawolves have Argentine back-rower Juan Manuel Leguizamon in their squad.