South Africans React to Springbok Legend Tendai Mtawarira's Retirement

While the Rugby World Cup in Japan might have ended close to a week ago, South Africans are still celebrating their 32-12 win against England. Upon their arrival at the airport this past Tuesday, the Springboks received a warm welcome from hundreds of South Africans celebrating the return of the sports heroes. Currently, the Springboks are on the so-called "trophy tour" which sees the official presentation of the Web Ellis Trophy Cup to President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Amid the celebrations, however, Tendai Mtawarira or the "Beast" as he is affectionately known, has announced that he is retiring from international rugby.

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Mtawarira is the third most most-capped Springbok player after former South African Springboks Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana. Following his 2006 debut for the Sharks, a South African rugby club, he's gone on to set numerous records and appear in significant tournaments including the 2009 Tri-Nations, this year's Rugby Championship and the 2013 Currie Cup among several others.

In a statement released by Mtawarira on social media, he said that:

"I've been privileged to play this great game and achieve many career goals over the last 12 years of playing senior rugby. 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."

Take a look at a few reactions from South Africans on social media: