Victor Matfield
![]() Matfield in June 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Date of birth | (1977-05-11) 11 May 1977 (age 47) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Place of birth | Pietersburg, South Africa (now Polokwane, South Africa) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Height | 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weight | 117 kg (258 lb; 18 st 6 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
School | Hoërskool Pietersburg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
University | University of Pretoria | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Children | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Victor Matfield (born 11 May 1977) is a South African former professional rugby union player. He played for and captained the South Africa national team (Springboks) as well as the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup and the Bulls franchise in Super Rugby. He is generally considered one of the best locks to have ever played for South Africa[4] and had a long successful partnership with Springbok and Blue Bulls teammate Bakkies Botha.
Matfield was known for his success at disrupting opposition line-outs – this skill was a cornerstone of their 2007 World Cup success, where he was crowned IRB (International Rugby Board) player of the Rugby World Cup. In 2008 he captained the first team to beat the All Blacks in New Zealand since England in 2003. Matfield initially retired after the 2011 World Cup, leaving the game as the record Springbok cap holder, but returned after a two-year hiatus, signing a two-year playing contract with the Bulls for 2014 and 2015.[5]
Early life
Born on 11 May 1977 in Pietersburg (now Polokwane), South Africa, Matfield grew up with a love for both rugby and cricket, and even represented Far North Schools in the latter. When an injury affected his batting and bowling he decided to pursue rugby instead and was selected for Far North's junior Craven Week team before playing lock for Hoërskool Pietersburg. He made it to the Craven Week competition for high schools in two successive years.[6]
Junior rugby career
After school, Matfield went to study at the University of Pretoria where he made the university's under-21 side.[7] It did not take long for him to be selected for the Blue Bulls under-21 side as well.
In 1997, Matfield was selected for the under-21 Springbok side captained by Bobby Skinstad. Matfield was also selected for the 1998 squad.
Senior rugby career
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/Line_up_Lions_Bulls.jpg/190px-Line_up_Lions_Bulls.jpg)
A big turning point in Matfield's career came when he decided to leave the Blue Bulls for the Griquas in 1999, where he was also selected to represent the Cats in the Super 12 that year. The move allowed him to prove his worth, and in 2000 he was given the opportunity to represent the Bulls Super 12 team.
His hard work did not go unnoticed, and in 2001 he was finally selected for the Springbok squad, making his debut on 30 June 2001 against Italy. Matfield went on to help the Springboks' renaissance in 2004 and 2005; in the latter year, he made the five-man shortlist for IRB World Player of the Year.
Matfield was an instant selection for South Africa's 2007 World Cup winning-squad, and won the Man of the Match award in the final for his brilliant work in the line-out.
Matfield had been linked with a move to Leicester Tigers of the English Premiership after the 2007 Rugby World Cup.,[8] but later signed a six-month contract with French second division club Toulon, beginning in January 2008.[9] At Toulon, he joined an ambitious side whose president Mourad Boudjellai signed many veteran superstars for the 2007–2008 season, such as Australian George Gregan, the sport's all-time leader in international appearances; Andrew Mehrtens, the all-time leading scorer for the All Blacks; and, as coach, former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga.
Between January and February 2008, Matfield played for Toulon in a stretch of nine key matches, before returning to South Africa and taking part in the 2008 Super 14 season with the Bulls. It was reported his decision to return was due to the South African Rugby Union having reconsidered to continue with its policy of allowing a limited number of overseas-based players to play for the Springboks.[10]
In 2014, Matfield returned to rugby as a player, signing a 2-year playing contract with the Bulls to keep him in the game until the end of 2015.[5]
At the 2015 Rugby World Cup Matfield started in the first 2 group games for South Africa. The Springboks advanced to the knock out stages, with Matfield coming on from the bench in their semi final loss[11] to New Zealand. Matfield's final international game was a 24–13 victory[12] in the third place playoff against Argentina where he again came on as a second-half substitute.
In 2015 it was announced that Matfield would sign for Northampton Saints after the 2015 Rugby World Cup.[13] Matfield played for Northampton for one season before ending his 21-year career in a game against Gloucester Rugby.[14]
Accolades
Over the course of his career, Matfield has won the Currie Cup final three times (2002, 2004 & 2009), the Super 14 title in 2007, 2009 and 2010, the Tri-Nations in 2004 and 2009 and the Rugby World Cup in 2007.
In 2008 he was inducted into the University of Pretoria Hall of fame.[15]
Commentator and coach
Matfield retired from the Springboks after the 2011 World Cup, and considered a coaching career in Australia with the NSW Waratahs.[16]
He subsequently joined SuperSport as a TV presenter for the Super Rugby season. He was also part of the coaching team and served as a line-out consultant for the Blue Bulls provincial rugby team in 2013.[17]
Honours
- 2002, 2004, 2009 Currie Cup winner (Blue Bulls)
- 2007, 2009, 2010 Super Rugby winner (Bulls)
- 2004, 2009 Tri-Nations winner
- 2007 Rugby World Cup winner
- 2009 British and Irish Lions test series winner
Notes
- ^ a b In addition to playing in test matches, Matfield featured in six non-test matches for South Africa.[1] Four of these were international tour matches played between 2000 and 2011, and in 2014[2] and 2015,[3] he played in matches against a World XV in Cape Town. These matches have an equivalent status to international tour matches, but were played on home soil.[1]
References
- ^ a b South African Rugby Annual 2018. South African Rugby Union. 2018. pp. 61–62. ISBN 978-0-620-78461-0.
- ^ South African Rugby Annual 2015. South African Rugby Union. 2015. p. 104. ISBN 978-0-620-62087-1.
- ^ South African Rugby Annual 2016. South African Rugby Union. 2016. pp. 124–125. ISBN 978-0-620-69290-8.
- ^ "The greatest: Number five lock". PlanetRugby.com. 26 October 2009. Archived from the original on 28 October 2009. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
- ^ a b "Matfield to join Vodacom Bulls playing squad" (Press release). Bulls. 31 January 2014. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- ^ "Victor Matfield, Sports Brief". SportsBrief. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
- ^ "Who's Who of Southern Africa". whoswhosa.co.za. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
- ^ Cain, Nick (29 April 2007). "Player exodus threatens world order". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 30 April 2007.
- ^ "Matfield not lost to SA rugby". News24.com. 3 August 2007. Archived from the original on 11 August 2007. Retrieved 20 August 2007.
- ^ Johnstone, Duncan (18 December 2007). "Matfield rushing back to Bulls". Rugby Heaven. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 19 December 2007.
- ^ "South Africa 18-20 New Zealand". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
- ^ "South Africa 24-13 Argentina". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
- ^ "Northampton sign Springbok Matfield". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
- ^ "Victor Matfield and Northampton bow out gracefully at Gloucester". The Guardian. London. 8 May 2016. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
- ^ Hall of fame Retrieved June 25, 2011 Archived 17 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Growden, Greg (23 July 2010). "Springbok foe could soon be an ally, but not just yet". The Age. Retrieved 23 July 2010.
- ^ "Victor Matfield". Who's Who in SA. Retrieved 1 August 2015.
External links
- French articles
- ESPN Profile
- "SA Rugby Player Profile – Victor Matfield". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
- Springbok Rugby Hall of Fame profile
- Sunday Times article: Young giant shows old hands he can 'really jol'
- RC Toulon
Sporting positions | ||
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Preceded by | Springbok Captain 2007, 2008 | Succeeded by Johann Muller |
- v
- t
- e
- Apr 1915: Edgar Mobbs (vs. Wal)
- Jan 1948: Haydn Tanner (vs. Aus)
- Jan 1952: Jimmy Nelson (vs. SA)
- Feb 1954: Rex Willis (vs. NZ)
- Feb 1958: Cliff Morgan (vs. Aus)
- May 1958: Jim Greenwood (vs. East Africa)
- Feb 1961: Ronnie Dawson (vs. SA)
- Nov 1962: Ron Jacobs (vs. Can)
- Feb 1964: Ronnie Dawson (vs. NZ)
- Jan 1967: Noel Murphy (vs. Aus)
- Dec 1967: Stewart Wilson (vs. NZ)
- May 1969: John O'Shea (vs. Rhodesia)
- Jan 1970: Gareth Edwards (vs. SA)
- May 1970: John Spencer (vs. Sco XV)
- Oct 1970: Frank Laidlaw (vs. Fiji)
- Jan 1973: John Dawes (vs. NZ)
- Nov 1974: Willie John McBride (vs. NZ)
- Jan 1976: Mervyn Davies (vs. Aus)
- Jun 1976: Phil Bennett (vs. Can)
- Sep 1977: Gerald Davies (vs. Lions)
- Dec 1978: Derek Quinnell (vs. NZ)
- Jan 1982: Bill Beaumont (vs. Aus) cancelled
- Mar 1983: Fergus Slattery (vs. Sco XV)
- Dec 1984: Gareth Davies (vs. Aus)
- May 1985: Colin Deans (vs. Ita)
- Nov 1988: Phillip Matthews (vs. Aus)
- Nov 1989: David Sole (vs. NZ)
- Sep 1990: Nick Farr-Jones (vs. Eng)
- Oct 1990: Nick Farr-Jones (vs. Wales)
- Nov 1990: Robert Jones (vs. Arg)
- Sep 1991: Stuart Barnes (vs. Sco)
- Jun 1992: Andy Robinson (vs. Rus)
- Nov 1992: Will Carling (vs. Aus)
- Dec 1993: Scott Hastings (vs. NZ)
- Jun 1994: Neil Edwards (vs. Zim)
- Dec 1994: Robert Jones (vs. SA)
- May 1996: Phil de Glanville (vs. Ire)
- Aug 1996: Gavin Hastings (vs. Sco)
- Aug 1996: Arran Pene (vs. Wal)
- Dec 1996: Rob Andrew (vs. Aus)
- May 2000: Ian Jones (vs. Ire)
- May 2000: Zinzan Brooke (vs. Sco)
- Aug 2000: Jeff Probyn (vs. Ger)
- Dec 2000: Lawrence Dallaglio (vs. SA)
- May 2001: Gary Teichmann (vs. Wal)
- May 2001: Tim Horan (vs. Sco)
- May 2001: Gary Teichmann (vs. Eng)
- Nov 2001: Rob Howley (vs. Aus)
- May 2002: Todd Blackadder (vs. Eng)
- May 2002: Pat Lam (vs. Wal)
- Jun 2002: Ian Jones (vs. Sco)
- May 2003: Taine Randell (vs. Eng)
- May 2003: Mick Galwey (vs. Sco)
- May 2003: Mark Connors (vs. Wal)
- May 2004: Taine Randell (vs. Sco)
- May 2004: Matt Burke (vs. Wal)
- May 2004: Anton Oliver (vs. Eng)
- Jun 2004: Rob Baxter (vs. Por)
- Dec 2004: Justin Marshall (vs. NZ)
- May 2005: David Humphreys (vs. Sco)
- May 2005: Corné Krige (vs. Eng)
- May 2006: Raphaël Ibañez (vs. Eng)
- May 2006: Will Greenwood (vs. Sco)
- Jun 2006: Bobby Skinstad (vs. Geo)
- May 2007: Hugh Vyvyan (vs. Tun)
- Jun 2007: Hugh Vyvyan (vs. Esp)
- Dec 2007: Mark Regan (vs. SA)
- May 2008: Mark Regan (vs. Bel)
- May 2008: Morgan Turinui (vs. Ire)
- Jun 2008: Mark Regan (vs. Eng)
- Dec 2008: John Smit (vs. Aus)
- May 2009: Martin Corry (vs. Eng)
- Jun 2009: Phil Waugh (vs. Aus)
- Dec 2009: Victor Matfield (vs. NZ)
- May 2010: Xavier Rush (vs. Eng)
- Jun 2010: Xavier Rush (vs. Ire)
- Dec 2010: Matt Giteau (vs. SA)
- May 2011: Sergio Parisse (vs. Eng)
- Jun 2011: Sergio Parisse (vs. Wal)
- Nov 2011: Victor Matfield (vs. Aus)
- May 2012: John Smit (vs. Eng)
- May 2012: Mick O'Driscoll (vs. Ire)
- Jun 2012: John Smit (vs. Wal)
- May 2013: Mike Tindall (vs. Eng)
- Jun 2013: Sergio Parisse (vs. Lions)
- Jun 2014: Juan Manuel Leguizamón (vs. Eng)
- Nov 2014: Alastair Kellock (vs. Aus)
- May 2015: Shane Jennings (vs. Ire)
- Jun 2015: Brad Thorn (vs Eng)
- Aug 2015: Bakkies Botha (vs Sam)
- Nov 2015: Victor Matfield (vs. Arg)
- Nov 2016: Andy Ellis (vs. SA)
- Nov 2016: Dan Tuohy (vs Cze)
- Nov 2016: Andy Ellis (vs Fij)
- May 2017: Thierry Dusautoir (vs. Eng)
- May 2018: Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe (vs. Eng)
- Jun 2019: James Horwill (vs. Eng)