What is former Springbok Victor Matfield up to these days?

Victor Matfield, a name synonymous with South African rugby, is the most capped Springbok of all time. His 127 Test appearances speak volumes about a remarkable career built on the pillars of supreme leadership, lineout prowess, and tactical nous.

Debuting for the Blue Bulls in 1997, Matfield quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a cornerstone of their Super Rugby dominance. His international debut for the Springboks arrived in 2001, and he soon established himself as a virtually irreplaceable player.

To document all his achievements would be an almost impossible task, but just some of these records below provide a brief summary of a one-of-a-kind career.

• Captained the Springboks in 20 Tests
• SA Player of the Year nominee, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2009
• SuperSport Try of the Year, 2004 (vs. Australia in Durban)
• Currie Cup winner with the Blue Bulls, 2002, 2004 & 2009
• Tri-Nations winner, 2004 & 2009
• World Player of the Year nominee, 2004 & 2009
• Super 14 winner with the Blue Bulls, 2007 & 2009
• Member of the World Cup winning Springbok squad, 2007
• British & Irish Lions series winner, 2009
• Most capped lock in Springbok history
• Most capped Springbok in history
• Holds World record with Bakkies Botha for most Tests as a lock combination in the starting line-up

VICTOR MATFIELD IS AN UNEQUIVOCAL SPRINGBOK ICON

Matfield’s work ethic and dedication were also the stuff of legend, particularly his lineout analysis that saw him contribute insights that few players could match.

After originally retiring in 2011, Matfield worked as a pundit for SuperSport and was a lineout consultant with the Bulls, before he came out of retirement in 2014 and signed a new contract with the Pretoria franchise.

He would also go on to feature prominently at the 2015 World Cup at the age of 38, and he also enjoyed a season-long stint with the Northampton Saints, 

A second – and final – retirement in 2015, after 140 Super Rugby appearances for the Bulls, and nearly 130 Test caps, couldn’t keep Matfield away from the sport.

He transitioned seamlessly into coaching, working with the Bulls at various levels, helping to nurture young talent and shape the future of South African rugby.

Matfield’s post-retirement ventures also extend beyond rugby, and he has been successful involved in various business initiatives, while he has continued to appear SuperSport’s rugby analyst panel.

INTERESTING COACHING CAREER MOVE

In a recent coaching career move that caught many by surprise, Matfield has joined Eddie Jones’ coaching staff as a consultant to the Japan national team.

“This position is more formal,” the former lock explained. “I will fly to Japan twice to be involved in the Japanese camp there for two weeks before Tests.

“I will also do weekly analysis of the other teams for them and forward plans.”

Meanwhile, Matfield is a dedicated family man, having recently celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary with wife Monja Matfield.

The couple has four children: Luco, Jamie, Tassie, and Giselle Matfield.