Boks send Beast home

Boks send Beast home

12 Nov 2012

Springbok prop Beast Mtawarira has been sent home because of his heart condition.

Mtawarira suffered heart palpitations several hours before the Boks’ Test against Ireland last Saturday. He was forced to withdraw from the match.

The Sharks front-rower was expected to return to action against Scotland this weekend as he travelled with the team to Edinburgh, but it was confirmed on Monday that the player will return home.

‘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 Bok coach Heyneke Meyer. ‘The player’s welfare is the most important consideration at this stage.’

Team doctor Craig Roberts added that Mtawarira had an irregular heart rhythm, which 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.’

Stormers and WP tighthead prop Frans Malherbe has been called up from Cape Town to provide cover, with Jannie du Plessis struggling with an ankle injury after the Ireland Test.


9 Comments

  • 1.BrumbiesBoy: Reply to this comment
    12 Nov 2012, 12:17 pm

    Get well soon, big dragon.

  • 2.CharlesM: Reply to this comment
    12 Nov 2012, 13:40 pm

    Mtawarira to return home, Malherbe to replace him
    November 12, 2012
    DHL Western Province prop Frans Malherbe will join the Springbok squad in Edinburgh in the place of 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.

  • 3.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    12 Nov 2012, 14:13 pm

    Unlucky big guy. Recover fully and have a storming 2013

  • 4.KWAGGA ROBERTSE: Reply to this comment
    12 Nov 2012, 14:14 pm

    Enter Gurthro. Eina!!!

  • 5.scrumfan: Reply to this comment
    12 Nov 2012, 14:54 pm

    1. Gurthro Steenkamp
    3. Jannie du Plessis
    17. Heinke vd Merwe
    18. Pat Cilliers

  • 6.capebull: Reply to this comment
    12 Nov 2012, 14:58 pm

    @CharlesM-2: Did no one see the CC final , Maleherpie was useless

  • 7.capebull: Reply to this comment
    12 Nov 2012, 15:09 pm

    Rather take the FS guy.

  • 8.ruggajunkie: Reply to this comment
    13 Nov 2012, 01:48 am

    Beast we will miss you shamwari. Hoping all goes well & you’ll be back soon. Take it easy and enjoy the well earned rest

  • 9.cane: Reply to this comment
    13 Nov 2012, 11:27 am

    Scary stuff for The Beast.

    His heart has a lot of pumping to do.

    Get well soon.

    cane.

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