Keynote Speaker (45–60 min) | Fireside Chat
Corporate teams, leadership forums, sports organizations, schools, universities, and conferences seeking inspiration on resilience, teamwork, and high performance.
Tendai Mtawarira, affectionately known as “The Beast,” is a Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok and one of the most celebrated loosehead props in global rugby. Born in Zimbabwe, he became a legend of the game through his 117 Test caps for South Africa and 156 Super Rugby appearances with the Sharks. His career highlights include victories in the 2009 Tri Nations and the 2019 Rugby Championship, culminating in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in South Africa’s triumph.
After retiring in 2019, Tendai transitioned seamlessly into leadership and business. He was appointed to the Sharks board and is now the CEO and shareholder of Umlindi Security, a company dedicated to innovative and values-driven security solutions. Drawing on the same principles that fueled his rugby success—teamwork, commitment, innovation, and resilience he now inspires audiences across industries.
As a speaker, Tendai shares insights on leadership under pressure, high-performance teamwork, personal discipline, and continuous improvement, blending stories from the rugby field with his journey into entrepreneurship. His presence is both commanding and approachable, making him a powerful voice for corporate teams, schools, and global conferences alike.
Tendai Mtawarira (born 1 August 1985) is a Zimbabwean former professional rugby union player who played for Old Glory DC in Major League Rugby and previously for the South Africa national team and the Sharks in Super Rugby.
Now Retired World Cup-winning Springbok Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira has been appointed to the Sharks board, the franchise.
The 117-Test capped former loose head prop spent 13 years at the Shark Tank before retiring in 2019 after amassing 156 Super Rugby appearances.
It is quite fitting that Tendai Mtawarira enjoyed success at both the beginning and the end of his illustrious career, winning both the Rugby Championship and World Cup in 2019, while his other success in the Bok jersey came when the Boks won the Tri Nations in 2009. He is an icon and legend for both South African rugby and the global game.
Tendai Mtawarira has powered his way into the business world as he is now a shareholder as well as chief executive officer of the newly launched Umlindi Security.
“Being a businessman has excited me for a long time because it combines many of the core values I needed in my rugby career like teamwork, innovation, commitment, continuous self-improvement and having fun,” Mtawarira said.
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In this motivational address, Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira speaks directly to students and teachers, offering life lessons drawn from his career as one of rugby’s most iconic players. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Mtawarira dreamed of playing professional rugby despite the country’s economic challenges. With strong family support and mentorship, he discovered his talent at Churchill School, later transferring to Peterhouse for more opportunities. There, he was scouted by the Sharks Academy in South Africa, where his professional journey truly began.
Mtawarira recalls both the triumphs and setbacks that shaped his career. A major turning point was in 2012 when he broke his ankle just before the Super Rugby season. Though devastated, he relied on his faith, resilience, and mental discipline to recover stronger than before, eventually delivering some of his best performances. He stresses that adversity builds character and that setbacks can become springboards for greater success.
Reflecting on his international career, Mtawarira describes his final match—the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final against England. Knowing it would be his last game, he entered with unmatched determination, prepared to give everything for his teammates and country. Playing in “Beast mode,” he helped South Africa dominate and secure the championship, achieving his lifelong dream of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.
Mtawarira closes by encouraging students to pursue their own ambitions, whether in sports, academics, or professional careers. He emphasizes the importance of clear goals, discipline, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. His story demonstrates that with perseverance, belief, and resilience, extraordinary achievements are possible.
00:00 – Introduction: Mtawarira greets students and shares purpose of his talk.
01:00 – Early life in Zimbabwe and discovery of rugby talent.
02:30 – Transfer to Peterhouse, scouting by Sharks Academy, move to South Africa.
04:00 – Breaking his ankle before Super Rugby season, struggles with injury.
06:00 – Using faith and discipline to recover, returning stronger.
08:00 – Lessons from adversity: sacrifice, perseverance, and resilience.
10:00 – Playing for Sharks and Springboks; setting new goals.
12:00 – Final game: 2019 Rugby World Cup Final against England.
14:00 – Emotional reflection on lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.
15:30 – Closing message: set goals, make sacrifices, and never let challenges stop you.
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