Rugby Union dug their heels in an won the battle for South Africa’s number one No.1.
This now means that Tendai Mtawarira will be in line to play in the Super 15 opener on the 18th February which will come as a huge relief to the Sharks faithful.
The battle between the two unions could well go on for some time as The Sharks have said that the Lions offered Beast an alternative contract when he already had signed a contract with the Sharks which was binding. This they argue is a breach of the governing body’s regulations.
Fuelled by new owner Robert Gumede’s cash, the Lions targeted many key players that should see them be far stronger contenders in 2011. However Beast was to be the main acquisition and they apparently had offered the Sharks frontrower a contract that was too good to refuse.
Brian van Zyl, CEO of the Sharks mentioned that they had “already signed Tendai and although there were a few addendums to his contract that he still had to initial, the basic contract had been signed.”
He added that “The Lions believed they had seen a gap and vigorously pursued our player, even though we had signed him. We obviously are not happy with this and will be taking appropriate action against the Lions.”
Van Zyl said the Sharks were paying “top dollar” to keep the 26-year-old Mtawarira, who has been pushed up to the same salary scale as seasoned Springboks such as John Smit, despite being a comparatively inexperienced Springbok.
Having been groomed by the Sharks as a 16 year old when he was spotted by Sharks scouts when Peterhouse , Beast has become a fixture at the Shark Tank and the Sharks fans will breathe a sigh of relief that he will be in the Black and White for another few seasons at least.
Sharks coach John Plumtree is also relieved his star prop is not going anywhere and said that “the Beast is a big part of the Sharks having come from nowhere to advance from the Sharks Academy to the senior team and then to the Springboks,” the highly respected Kiwi coach said. “He has gone on to become one of the best loosehead props in the world and our coaching staff are excited about continuing his development.”
