/ 17 November 2012

The Beast back for Boks next year after minor heart procedure

Tendai Mtawarira during a South Africa captains run at AVIVA Stadium on in Dublin
Tendai Mtawarira during a South Africa captains run at AVIVA Stadium on in Dublin

Mtawarira returned home to South Africa after he had a recurrence of mild heart palpitations shortly before the South African's tour opener against Ireland in Dublin on November 10.

He subsequently underwent "a minor medical procedure to correct an intermittent irregular heart rhythm" in Cape Town and was released from hospital on Friday, a South Africa Rugby Union press release said.

"I am well, so there is really no need to worry," said Mtawarira.

"The procedure went well. It's only a minor procedure and sometimes it needs to be done more than once to clear the palpitations.

"This is something that has happened to me before and that can be treated. Also, it's not career-threatening.

"Sometimes I get quite excited before a game and that is probably what triggered it.

"It's sad to miss out on the last two Tests of the season, but I've enjoyed a good year and am looking forward to 2013 very much."

The 27-year-old Mtawarira has been capped 41 times for South Africa. He was replaced at prop by CJ van der Linde in Dublin, where the Springboks went on to win 16-12.

Toulouse prop Gurthro Steenkamp takes over from van der Linde for the second tour game against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday. – Sapa.