The Beast signs for MLR side Old Glory DC
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Rugby World Cup winner Tendai “the Beast” Mtawarira has signed for Major League Rugby side Old Glory DC for the 2020 MLR season.
1/2 Delighted to confirm that I’ve signed with @usmlr’s @OldGloryDC !!
— Tendai Mtawarira (@Beast_TM) December 18, 2019
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
Mtawarira heads to Washington DC almost directly off of the ultimate rugby victory, having anchored the front row as the starting loosehead prop for the 2019 Rugby World Cup champion, South Africa.
This achievement was the culmination of an international career that earned the Beast 117 caps, making him the most-capped Springbok forward of all time.
His dominance of the scrum has recently earned him a reputation for “ruining the careers” of opposing tighthead props at the highest levels of the sport.
At age 34, Mtawarira has announced his retirement from international rugby, but he is clearly performing at the peak of his game, having demonstrating a masterful performance as recently as the November 2 Rugby World Cup final against England.
Old Glory Head Coach Andrew Douglas said: “It’s exciting to have one of the worlds best players here at Old Glory. As a coach, not only am I excited about what Tendai brings to the pitch, but also what he brings to our environment. He is an excellent professional and the values and character he brings will be important in raising the bar for the whole squad. To have a guy who has played 117 test matches yet is still so hard working and humble can only be beneficial for us. The signing takes the league to another level.”
“I really want to thank the whole Old Glory organization for making this happen,” said Mtawarira. “I can’t wait to make an impact on and off the field and help to contribute to making Old Glory the best team in this league.”
