Legendary former Springbok prop Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira has poured his passion into a new business project that has now officially culminated in the launch of a bespoke wine collection.

The Beast became a household name across the globe during the course of an illustrious rugby career that saw him feature in over 100 games for the Durban-based Sharks, while he is the third-most capped Springbok player of all time after playing in 117 Tests. Mtawarira hung up his boots after playing a defining role in the Boks’ successful 2019 Rugby World Cup triumph, but as a man of many talents, his philanthropic work and business endeavours have elevated his ‘game’ to another level ever since retiring.

As a self-confessed “secret wine lover”, The Beast has now gone public with the launch of his very own wine collection, founded on a brand philosophy of excellence, resilience and passion.

The full bouquet of products are now available to purchase online in South Africa - and soon globally - at www.smcg.wine.

The launch of The Beast Wine Collection signifies a notable addition to the ever-expanding business portfolio of the well-known former Springbok prop, whose post-rugby career is managed by Roc Nation Sports International, the world-renowned agency that facilitated this project.

“This is a very special day,” Mtawarira commented. “I have been eagerly awaiting the moment when we could share details of this exciting launch of The Beast Wine Collection, which is very close to my heart.

Our mission is to offer a high quality, locally produced wine to an extensive consumer market, and the production of this collection has represented a true labour of love over the last year. I am confident that everyone will enjoy the product as much as I have enjoyed the journey of producing this collection of fine wines.”

A unique partnership with SMCG Wines - a boutique wine export trader - has led to key collaborations with four unique vineyards from four different wine regions of the Western Cape: Benguela Cove, Arra Vineyards, Holden Manz and Cape Point Vineyards.

After countless hours spent visiting these vineyards and consulting with the owners and producers of some of the best wines in South Africa, The Beast Wine Collection includes a MCC Brut, Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé and a Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, which each have a special meaning to Mtawarira.

The co-founder of SMCG Group, Patrick McGee, said it was certainly an exciting moment to officially announce the launch of The Beast Wine Collection.

“Our mission was to produce excellent wine that is native to South Africa and grown in an ecologically conscious and sustainable manner, and it’s wonderful to have seen this vision come to fruition. A year-long process has culminated in this choice of these four wines from these four estates that are an ode to Beast’s journey on the rugby pitch, ending with the achievement of a lifelong dream after winning the World Cup in Japan in 2019. The Beast Wine Collection will be a fast-growing brand that aims to celebrate the authentic flavours of the world-class vineyards and climate within South Africa.

rugby player, springbok, wine — Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira. Image: Supplied

"As part of the commitment to providing a premium quality product, another unique aspect of the collection that we are very proud of is the inclusion of a security feature powered by OrginAll on each bottle, which empowers users to make safer product choices by verifying its unique security label. Thank you to Beast, Roc Nation Sports International and all the role players who made this possible.”

Michael Yormark, president of Roc Nation Sports International, said it was certainly a proud moment for RNSI to have facilitated this special wine production.

“Beast is one of the most inspirational and hard-working people who strives for excellence in everything he does, and so it is no surprise that he has continued to achieve such great success after retiring from rugby. His wine collection includes a host of high-quality products that I have no doubt will prove to just be as popular as Beast has always been, both in South Africa and overseas.

rugby player, springbok, wine — Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira. Image: Supplied

“Beast always commits 100% to everything he does, and this is reflected by a premium wine collection that has come to fruition after partnering with only the best vineyards in South Africa. Congratulations to Beast and all those involved in making this incredibly special product launch possible.”