Confusion over Beast’s eligibility

CONFUSION surrounds the international future of South Africa prop Tendai Mtawarira after it emerged he may not be eligible to play for the Springboks.

The 24-year-old, nicknamed ‘The Beast’, was born and raised in Zimbabwe and played youth rugby for the nation before joining the South African domestic system with the Natal Sharks.

Mtawarira made his Springboks debut last year, supposedly gaining eligibility through residency criteria, and was a key figure in his side’s victory over the British and Irish Lions earlier this year.

But South Africa’s sports ministry this week issued a statement questioning the South African Rugby Union’s decision to play him as he is not a citizen of the country.

SARU did not comment on the situation, instead quoting their own statement from last week which said Mtawarira had been cleared to tour following discussions with the ministry.

The ministry’s statement read: “We must state up front our admiration for the gifted Zimbabwean prop forward.

“But just like he must obey the rules of rugby on the field, he must comply with the laws of South Africa in life here on our land, like all of us.

“According to the President as well as the CEO of the SARU, ‘The Beast’ is not a citizen of South Africa.

“He does not even have a permit for permanent residence in South Africa.