In honour of the Beast
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have found a special way to honour one of the true legends of the game – Tendai Mtawarira.
Since making his senior debut for the Sharks in 2007, Mtawarira – the 144th player to represent the Sharks – has been a regular and highly popular fixture in the black and white jersey.
Such has been his dominance, that he holds the record for being the most capped Sharks player (150 caps) in Super Rugby.
To honour this legend, who is in the twilight of his distinguished career, the Sharks’ 2019 Super Rugby away jersey design pays tribute to the ultimate team man.
“Beast’s contribution to the Sharks cannot only be limited to the field of play, but also the role he’s played off it,” Sharks COO Eduard Coetzee said.
“He has been a role model and mentor for numerous young props and players, who have come through the system and who were able to learn so much from him, both as a player and human being.
“We are delighted that we can honour him in our 2019 Super Rugby away jersey design.”
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In 2019 Mtawarira is set to become the most capped South African Super Rugby player in history, needing just six games to overtake Adriaan Strauss’ record of 156 caps – which he earned during his career with the Cheetahs and the Bulls.
“I am very humbled and consider it a massive honour to be celebrated by the Sharks with a jersey that honours me,” Mtawarira said.
“It’s been a great privilege to represent this team for many years and I look forward to a big 2019 season to commemorate this special moment.”
Apart from the launch of the away jersey, the Sharks will also play in two other jerseys during the campaign.
In terms of the home jersey, they have retained the core design of the jersey for the 2019 season with a few tweaks.
The third jersey that the Sharks will wear is the Black Panther-inspired jersey, which will be launched in early 2019.
This jersey is part of the South African Rugby Union’s partnership with Marvel that will see all our SA teams in Superhero themed jerseys for all local derby matches played in 2019.
