Beast Mtawarira's tour cut short.

Springbok prop Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira will return to South Africa on Monday following a decision that it would be in the player’s best interests not to continue with the tour.

This follows Mtawarira’s withdrawal from last Saturday’s Test against Ireland as a precautionary measure, after he had a recurrence of mild heart palpitations that morning.

“We’ve consulted with Beast and his cardiologist in Durban and although it’s safe for him to play, we decided it would be best for him to return home and rest,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.

“The player’s welfare is the most important consideration at this stage.”

Mtawarira, who travelled with the rest of the squad to Edinburgh on Sunday, had an irregular heart rhythm, according to Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts. The condition is hereditary.

“He has had this several times before and it’s always been managed accordingly,” said Roberts.

“This condition is not life threatening, but needs to be managed properly which is why we thought it would be in Beast’s best interest to return to South Africa.

“He needs to have a repeat of the minor procedure he had in Cape Town earlier this year and it’s important to notice that he is not at risk by playing with it, and his career is not in jeopardy.”

A decision on a replacement for Mtawarira will be taken in due course.

Latest development; Frans Malherbe called up

DHL Western Province prop Frans Malherbe will join the Springbok squad in Edinburgh in the place of Tendai Mtawarira.

The decision to bring in Malherbe, who is a tighthead prop, was taken as Jannie du Plessis has a mild ankle sprain he sustained in the Test victory over Ireland last Saturday.

Gurthrö Steenkamp should be available for selection this weekend after missing the Ireland Test due to injury. CJ van der Linde and Heinke van der Merwe can also be used at loosehead, while Du Plessis, Malherbe, Van der Linde and Pat Cilliers are all options at tighthead.

The 21-year-old Malherbe will join the Springboks on Wednesday in Edinburgh, where they are preparing for Saturday’s Test against Scotland at Murrayfield.
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Looking at the possibility of Jannie who might not play, it will mean that only Willem Alberts will be the only survivor from last year in the Bok forward pack.

Real shame but a sensible decision with the player's best interests at heart. South Africa managing their players well

Good decision for the Beast, long term health must come first. Wish him speedy recovery and best recuperation, sure to catch him again in Super 14!!

Yes, the Boks have options there - would be stupid to risk his health. Get well soon big feller.

A bit gutted to not see Mtawarira next weekend but the man's health must come first. Hope he makes a quick recovery.

Best wishes to the Beast for a full recovery.

Hope he recovers well, better to be safe rather than sorry until the cause is none especially as he is the right age and ethnicity for HOCM

I agree. It's always sad to see teams depleted. It takes the test out of Test Matches.

I really hope that Mtawarira recovers and that there is no underlying problem like Jonah had.

Beast, Bismark, Coenie, Bekker, Juan Smith, Burger, Brussouw, Spies
du Preez, Goosen, Steyn, Fourie, Habanna, Ndungane, Basson

A starting 15 of injured / unavailable players in many ways stronger than what the Boks will put out this coming weekend.