Iconic Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira's desire to become a South African citizen is the subject of ongoing "discussions" between the SA Rugby Union and the government.

Mtawarira, know affectionately as the Beast, is one of 19 players who have signed Springbok contracts for 2010 with Saru.

However, members of parliament are continuing to make noise about Mtawarira's inclusion on that list - much like Butana Komphela, the controversial chairman of National Assembly sports committee, who threatened to deport him.

On Tuesday Saru issued a statement in which they said they "wished to clarify the situation" around the inclusion of Mtawarira among the list of contracted Springboks.

"The offer of a contract was made against the background of on-going discussions with Government on player eligibility and in the expectation that Tendai's desire to become a citizen will be realised in due course," the statement said.

Andy Colquhoun, the Strategic Communication Manager at Saru, also recently told iafrica.com they are "working through the process" to make sure Mtawarira is legal.

His remarks followed Komphela's deportation threat.

Saru President Oregan Hoskins also recently stated that he will continue his meetings with government officials to resolve the ongoing public spat over the player's status.

The Mtawarira issue, which first surfaced during the Bok team's year-end tour in November, was brought back into the spotlight after Pakistani spinner Imran Tahir was called up to the South African national cricket team last month, and then dropped a day later because his permanent residency was not granted.

Mtawarira, according to International Rugby Board regulations, qualifies to play for South Africa on residency grounds, but does not yet have a South African passport.

Hoskins recently told the media that he remains positive about the situation.

"I do not believe that it [Mtawarira's inclusion in the Bok squad] is a lost cause," Hoskins said last month.

"We are going to try and sway the government to look at this as a special case, which is not unprecedented in other countries... the Beast has shown his bona fide colours. He has been here since just out of school and has given his life to rugby... and has a lot of support from a lot of people in the rugby word.

"I am going to make sure I cover every nook and cranny, and maybe even go with him to Zimbabwe to make sure we have covered all the bases so we can make the application thoroughly. I am going to dig deep for him and make sure we comply with the immigration laws of South Africa."

Mtawarira also recently added his voice to the ongoing public debate over his status as an international player. He said the Green and Gold of the Springboks are flowing through his veins.

"I am a South African at heart," he said.

"I love this country. It has become my home. It is everything to me."

Mtawarira, 25, has been living in Durban for six years since accepting a bursary from the Sharks Academy. He was spotted when his Zimbabwean school, Peterhouse, toured KZN.

"Wearing the green and gold of the Springboks is a huge honour for me," he said.

"That jersey is part of me. The green and gold flows in my blood. I feel just as much pride as any other guy in the team."