Prop Tendai Mtawarira has been granted South African citizenship making him eligible for selection by the Springboks.
Sharks prop granted South African citizenship
Prop Tendai Mtawarira has been granted South African citizenship making him eligible for selection by the Springboks.
The Zimbabwean forward, who has won 15 caps for South Africa was excluded from the side because he did not have a South African passport.
The Ministry of Support advised the South African Rugby Union not to pick Mtawarira, who plays for the Sharks because he was classed as a 'foreign' player.
The 24-year-old, nicknamed 'The Beast' was part of the side that defeated the British and Irish Lions 2-1 in last summer's Test series,
He is best remembered for his demolition of England prop Phil Vickery during a strong first Test scrimmaging display.
Mtawarira, who has missed Tests against Wales, France and Italy (twice) so far in 2010 will now be available for South Africa's upcoming Tri Nations title defence.
"This is very gratifying news indeed," said SARU president Oregan Hoskins.
"And thanks to much hard work that has been going on behind the scenes over the past few months..
"I'd like to personally thank Minister Dlamini-Zuma for her intervention to assist in this matter.
"It had long been the Beast's desire to become naturalised and he has had to endure some difficult times in recent months.
"He is now eligible for selection should he fit into the plans of the coach and national selectors."
