Victor Matfield, Bulls captain when they won the Super 14 last year, will be back for the Blue Bulls when the Currie Cup season starts, and will therefore be eligible for the Springboks.
The Blue Bulls on Thursday night announced that Matfield had signed a contract with them to return ”home”. The contract becomes effective on July 1 and ends on October 31 2011.
Matfield’s return makes him a certainty for the Springbok side — something that was in the balance as Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is outspoken that he wants to limit the number of overseas players in his Springbok squad to three. Matfield is currently at second division French club Toulon.
”I really missed the rugby in South Africa. To be able to rejoin a team like the Bulls is an absolute honour,” Matfield said. ”I know that I need to be in a structure like the Bulls or Blue Bulls to play myself back into contention for national honours and that makes the challenge even greater,” he said.
Matfield said he was looking forward to the challenge of playing for a place in the highly competitive Springbok squad and aims to impress the Springbok selectors to make his way back into the Springbok squad.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke was also pleased with Matfield’s arrival.
”We are fortunate to secure a player of his quality. Victor adds a lot of leadership and experience to the squad. I only worked with him for the short period at the pre-season camp in George and was impressed with his knowledge, work ethic and professionalism,” said Ludeke. — Sapa