Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Victor Matfield

Victor Matfield (born 11 May 1977) is a former professional player who played primarily as a lock and is widely regarded as one of the greatest in his position. He represented the national team, known as the Springboks, earning a record 127 Test caps between 2001 and 2015, and captained the side on 21 occasions. Matfield was a key member of the 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, earning Man of the Match honors in the final against , and also contributed to victories in the Tri-Nations in 2004 and 2009, as well as three titles with the Bulls (2007, 2009, 2010). Born in Pietersburg (now ), Matfield grew up in a sporting family and initially focused on before an injury redirected him to rugby during his youth. He represented the Far North at the junior and senior tournaments and studied at the , where he played for the university's U21 team. His professional career began with the in 1998, followed by stints with Griquas (1999) and (1999–2000), before returning to the Bulls in 2001, with whom he won five titles (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009). Matfield briefly joined in in 2008, rejoined the Bulls from 2008 to 2011 and again from 2014 to 2015, and ended his playing days with in 2015–2016, retiring at age 39 after over 250 domestic matches. Post-retirement, Matfield transitioned into and , serving as a lineout consultant for the and working as a commentator and analyst for SuperSport, including coverage of the . In 2021, he was inducted into the RugbyPass Hall of Fame in recognition of his enduring impact on the sport. In 2024, he joined the national team as technical advisor. Married to Monja Bekker, he has three daughters and maintains an estimated of $1–5 million through his rugby legacy and endeavors.

Early life

Family background

Victor Matfield was born on 11 May 1977 in , in Province, . He grew up in a sporting , with both parents serving as teachers who resided in a school hostel, providing an environment immersed in the rural South African lifestyle. His father, Fai Matfield, a teacher and principal, was deeply involved in local sports, which shaped the family's emphasis on physical activity and introduced young to competitive athletics early on. Matfield's mother, Hettie, also reinforced values of discipline and that influenced his upbringing. From a young age, he was exposed to through family outings to watch games and encouragement to participate in sports. Matfield initially concentrated on , excelling as a batsman and bowler, but an injury curtailed his progress in that sport and prompted a shift to , supported by his family's ongoing encouragement in the rural setting.

Education and early sports

Matfield attended Hoërskool Pietersburg in for his , where he began playing competitive as a lock forward. Prior to fully committing to rugby, he showed early promise in cricket, representing Far North Schools at an inter-provincial level, but a significant injury that impaired his batting and bowling capabilities led him to redirect his sporting focus toward . Following high school, Matfield enrolled at the , known as Tuks, to pursue a BComm degree in , a program that allowed him to balance rigorous academic coursework with his growing involvement in university , where he joined the under-21 team and honed his skills on the field.

Rugby career

Junior and youth development

Matfield joined the after school, where his performances in the university's under-21 side quickly earned him selection for the Under-21 team in 1997 and 1998. He contributed to the provincial youth team's successes in age-group competitions during this period, shining as a promising lock forward. His standout play at the youth level led to his inclusion in the Under-21 squad for 1997, a team captained by , and again for the 1998 campaign. In 1997, the side competed in the Southern Hemisphere Under-21 Tournament, facing strong opposition such as the Colts in a 20–46 defeat. The 1998 team participated in the International Under-21 Tournament, securing victories over (41–12) and Colts (18–16), a draw against (15–15), and a loss to (6–41). These appearances highlighted Matfield's emerging expertise in the lock position, particularly his aerial prowess and ability to disrupt opposition lineouts, earning early recognition in youth internationals.

Domestic and Super Rugby achievements

Matfield began his senior domestic career with a brief development stint on loan from the to Griquas in 1999–2000, where he gained valuable experience in the competition. He made his debut for Northern (later rebranded as the ) in 1999, marking the start of a long association with the Pretoria-based province. Matfield played a pivotal role in the ' triumphs, contributing to victories in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 (shared with ), and 2009 as a key second-row forward renowned for his lineout dominance. In these campaigns, his tactical acumen helped secure set-piece superiority, notably in the 2009 final against the , where the Bulls clinched a 36–16 win. Transitioning to Super Rugby, Matfield debuted for the Cats franchise in 1999 and remained with them until 2004, appearing in over 50 matches during a period that included competitive but title-less seasons. In 2005, he joined the Bulls team, where he formed a formidable second-row partnership with , combining physicality and lineout expertise to anchor the forward pack. Under his leadership, the Bulls won titles in 2007, 2009, and 2010, with Matfield captaining the side to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. Across his career with and Bulls from 1999 to 2011 and a comeback in 2014–2015, Matfield amassed over 140 appearances, establishing himself as one of the competition's most enduring locks. He was renowned for disrupting opposition possession at critical moments in lineouts. After retiring in 2011, Matfield unretired in 2014 to bolster the Bulls' lineout, contributing to another strong campaign before his final retirement in 2015.

International career with Springboks

Victor Matfield made his Test debut for the Springboks on 30 June 2001 against in Port Elizabeth, marking the start of a distinguished international career as a lock forward. Over the next 14 years, he accumulated 127 caps between 2001 and 2015, a national record that stood until surpassed by in 2024. Matfield participated in four Rugby World Cups, representing in 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015. He played a pivotal role in the Springboks' 2007 triumph in , starting all seven matches and dominating the lineout with his aerial prowess and tactical acumen. In the final against , Matfield earned Man of the Match honors for his exceptional performance, including 100% lineout retention and key steals that disrupted the opposition. His contributions were instrumental in securing 's second World Cup title. In 2008, Matfield assumed the Springboks captaincy for 13 Tests, leading the team through a transitional period following the 2007 victory. Under his leadership, the Springboks achieved notable success in the Tri-Nations, winning the competition in both 2004—where Matfield's lineout dominance contributed to three victories—and 2009, clinching the title with a dramatic 32-29 victory over . Renowned for his lineout expertise, Matfield pioneered defensive strategies, including innovative techniques for stealing opposition ball at the tail, which revolutionized second-row play and earned him acclaim as one of the game's greatest locks. Matfield announced his international retirement in October 2011, shortly after the Springboks' quarter-final exit from the in , having earned 110 caps at that point. He reversed this decision in early 2014, signing a two-year contract to return for and making himself available for international duty under coach . His comeback bolstered the Springboks' forward pack during the 2014 and the 2015 campaign, where he started in the pool stages and came off the bench in the knockout rounds. Matfield's final Test came on 31 October 2015 in the World Cup match against at , where he captained the side to a 24-13 victory, concluding his career with a third-place finish.

Overseas club appearances

Matfield's initial foray into overseas club rugby occurred in 2008, when he signed a six-month contract with in France's league following South Africa's victory. The move provided an opportunity to experience a different culture and join an ambitious squad under president , which included high-profile international players like and . During his stint from January to May 2008, Matfield made 15 appearances, starting 13 and accumulating over 1,000 minutes on the field, contributing to Toulon's promotion push to the Top 14. The short-term sabbatical allowed him to test himself in European conditions while maintaining his form for a return to the Bulls later that year. Nearly a decade later, in September 2015, Matfield joined Northampton Saints in England's Aviva Premiership on a one-year deal after captaining the Springboks at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. At 38, he sought a fresh challenge in a competitive league he had almost joined in 2008, aiming to offer his experience to a title-contending side and play a supportive role in their collective efforts. Over the 2015–16 season, Matfield featured in 19 matches across the Premiership and European Rugby Champions Cup, predominantly as a replacement with seven starts and around 600 minutes played, helping Northampton secure a fourth-place league finish and a spot in the following season's Champions Cup. The limited duration and his veteran status restricted his overall influence, but the move marked a fitting coda to his 21-year professional career, culminating in his retirement after a final appearance in a May 2016 victory over Gloucester.

Post-playing career

Coaching roles

After retiring from playing, Victor Matfield transitioned into , drawing on his renowned expertise in lineouts from his Springboks career to contribute to various teams' set-piece strategies. In 2013, during a period of retirement from playing, Matfield served as a lineout for the , assisting the coaching staff. From 2017 to 2019, he took on the role of forwards and lineout coach for the , supporting head coach Swys de Bruin in enhancing the team's forward pack performance across and competitions, where the Lions reached the playoffs in 2018 and advanced in the tournaments. Matfield also served as a lineout consultant for the Springboks during their successful campaign. Post-retirement in 2016, Matfield considered an assistant coaching position with the NSW Waratahs but ultimately declined the offer to remain involved in South African rugby. In 2025, Matfield joined the Rugby Union as a Technical Advisor, specializing in lineout strategies under head coach Eddie Jones to prepare for key international fixtures, including the match against on 25 October 2025.

Media and commentary work

Following his from playing in 2016, Victor Matfield transitioned into a prominent role as a television analyst and presenter for SuperSport, South Africa's leading sports broadcaster. He began providing expert analysis shortly after the , focusing on matches, Test series, and other international fixtures, drawing on his extensive experience as a lock to break down forward play and set-piece strategies. Matfield's commentary gained recognition for his detailed tactical insights, particularly on lineouts, where he often dissected formations, calling patterns, and disruption techniques used by teams like the Springboks and All Blacks. His expertise made him a staple on SuperSport's coverage, including pre- and post-match shows where he evaluated team performances and predicted outcomes based on forward dominance. He provided regular analysis during major tournaments, notably the in and the 2023 edition in , where defended their title. During these events, Matfield appeared on SuperSport broadcasts, offering breakdowns of key matches and highlighting how lineout precision contributed to the Springboks' successes, such as in the semifinals and finals. Beyond television, Matfield made guest appearances on podcasts and shows, including the SA Rugby Podcast in 2020, where he discussed the evolution of the game, the impact of professionalization on forward skills, and lessons from his career in adapting to modern rugby laws. As of 2024 and into 2025, Matfield continued his role with SuperSport, analyzing squad selections for upcoming campaigns and providing commentary on , including debates on player form and tactical shifts following South Africa's series against and . He also co-hosted podcast with former All Black Sir John Kirwan, exploring global issues like refereeing consistency and competition structures.

Awards and legacy

Major team honours

Victor Matfield contributed to several major team successes during his rugby career, particularly with the in domestic competitions and the internationally. His involvement in these triumphs highlighted the collective achievements of his teams in key tournaments. With the , Matfield was part of the squad that secured titles in 2002, defeating the 31–7 in the final at in ; in 2003, overcoming the Natal Sharks 40–19 in ; in 2004, overcoming the 42–33 in ; in 2006, sharing the title with the after a 28–28 draw in ; and in 2009, beating the 36–24 in the final at Loftus Versfeld. In , Matfield played a pivotal role as the Bulls won championships in 2007 against the 20–19 in the final; in 2009, dominating the Chiefs 61–17; and in 2010, edging the 25–17, establishing the franchise as one of the competition's most successful sides during that era. On the international stage, Matfield helped the Springboks claim Tri-Nations victories in 2004, with one win against each of (40–26) and (23–19) but topping the table on points difference; and in 2009, securing the title with a 32–29 victory over in , marking their first series win in five years. The pinnacle of Matfield's international team honours came with the Springboks' undefeated campaign, culminating in a 15–6 final win over in , where the team's lineout dominance in the knockout stages—bolstered by Matfield's expertise—proved crucial to their success.

Individual recognitions

Matfield holds the distinction of being the most capped lock in history with 127 Test appearances between 2001 and 2015, a record that stood until it was surpassed by in 2024. He was nominated six times for the SA Rugby Player of the Year award, reflecting his consistent excellence as a forward. In 2005, he also reached the five-man shortlist for the IRB International Player of the Year, underscoring his global impact during that season. Widely regarded as one of the greatest locks in history, Matfield earned rankings in the top 10 all-time locks and top 5 at the No. 5 lock position due to his tactical acumen and . His innovations in lineout play, particularly as a master of defensive disruption and "lineout whispering" to steal opposition ball, transformed the role of the second-row forward in modern . Matfield's contributions were formally recognized through inductions into the Hall of Fame in 2008 and the RugbyPass Hall of Fame in 2021. His post-career legacy endures as a benchmark for lock players, with analyses from 2023 to 2025 highlighting how his lineout expertise and emphasis on stealing defensive ball continue to influence contemporary strategies in the position.

References

  1. [1]
    Victor Matfield Rugby Bio | News, Stats, Team, Height, Age
    Victor Matfield was inducted into the RugbyPass Hall of Fame in 2021. Throughout his domestic career, Victor Matfield played in more than 250 games. Although he ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  2. [2]
    Victor Matfield: Everything you need to know about the Springbok ...
    Jun 20, 2023 · Matfield was born and raised in Pietersburg (now Polokwane), South Africa, and initially played both rugby and cricket during his formative ...
  3. [3]
    Victor Matfield | Rugby365
    Victor Matfield was born on 11 May 1977 in Pietersburg (now Polokwane). He grew up in a sporting family and initially focused on cricket. When an injury ...
  4. [4]
    Victor: My Journey | Penguin Random House South Africa
    Victor: My Journey. Download Cover Image. ISBN. 9781770222656. Format. Epdf. Recommended Price. R195.00. Published. November 2011. About the book: ... Matfield is ...
  5. [5]
    A moment with Victor Matfield | PDBY
    Jan 26, 2013 · He won three Currie Cup and three Super 14 trophies with the Blue Bulls, and two Tri-Nations championships, a series victory over the British ...Missing: science | Show results with:science
  6. [6]
    Can You Guess What these Springbok Players Studied? You Will Be ...
    Sep 18, 2015 · Victor Matfield studied accounting at the University of Pretoria before starting his rugby career at varsity level. “It is… great that the ...Missing: science | Show results with:science<|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Victor Matfield: How things could have been very different for one of ...
    Jun 20, 2014 · Matfield was selected for the 1997 and 1998 under-21 South Africa sides, the former was captained by Bobby Skinstad. ... He made 15 appearances ...
  8. [8]
    Player Profile: Matfield, Victor - Ou Grote Rugby
    May 24, 2007 · Victor Matfield, height: 2.00m, weight: 108kg, born: 11 May 1977, position: lock, franchise: The Bulls, Super Rugby debut: 1999 Cats vs Brumbies Super Rugby.
  9. [9]
    Legendary Springboks lock Victor Matfield: Where is he now?
    Oct 17, 2023 · After high school, Victor Matfield furthered his studies at the University of Pretoria where he continued playing rugby. He was soon called ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    South Africa Under 21 Full Rugby Games List | Match Results & Stats
    View a complete, sortable list of all games played by South Africa Under 21, including match results, dates, competition details, and performance statistics ...
  11. [11]
    Lions appoint Matfield as forwards coach - ESPN - ESPN.com
    "I also played under Swys while at Griquas [on loan from the Bulls in 1999-2000] and became a Springbok while under his tutorship." Former lock Matfield ...
  12. [12]
    Victor Matfield: “It was the best final ever” - SA Rugby
    Sep 7, 2020 · With 127 Test caps and 148 Vodacom Super Rugby appearances to his name, Victor Matfield is well-placed to talk about the state of the game ...
  13. [13]
    Victor Matfield | Ultimate Rugby Players, News, Fixtures and Live ...
    He has had an incredible career which has seen him achieve what few have, among others he has won win three Super Rugby titles, two Tri-Nations titles and a ...
  14. [14]
    What is former Springbok Victor Matfield up to these days? - SAPeople
    Apr 29, 2024 · Currie Cup winner with the Blue Bulls, 2002, 2004 & 2009; Tri-Nations winner, 2004 & 2009; World Player of the Year nominee, 2004 & 2009; Super ...
  15. [15]
    Saffers shine in Super 15 stats | News24
    Jul 8, 2014 · Bulls and Springbok stalwart Victor Matfield demonstrated why he remains one of the best lineouts exponents in the word as he stole the most ...Missing: steals | Show results with:steals
  16. [16]
    Matfield ends retirement to sign for Bulls - ESPN
    Jan 31, 2014 · Victor Matfield has signed a deal for the 2014 and 2015 Super Rugby seasons with the Bulls. His comeback from retirement has been in the pipeline since ...
  17. [17]
    Springbok cap record for Victor Matfield - Brand South Africa
    Jun 20, 2014 · The legendary lock made his test debut on 30 June 2001 against Italy in Port Elizabeth. In 2011, he retired after the Rugby World Cup in 2011, ...
  18. [18]
    The current star Victor Matfield hailed as 'the best Bok of all time'
    Sep 16, 2024 · South Africa's most capped player and 2007 World Cup winner Victor Matfield has named his former teammate Eben Etzebeth as “the best Bok of all time”.
  19. [19]
    The man who made the difference - ESPN
    Oct 21, 2007 · South Africa lock Victor Matfield claimed the official man-of-the-match award in the World Cup final win against England - and deservedly so.
  20. [20]
    Victor Matfield - Barbarian FC
    Victor Matfield was born in Pietersburg on 11 May 1977 and educated at the local high school and the University of Pretoria. He played at lock for the Griquas, ...Missing: sources | Show results with:sources
  21. [21]
    Bok legend: Victor Matfield - SA Rugby magazine
    May 11, 2025 · Matfield also won the Tri-Nations twice (2004 and 2009) and played a crucial role in the 2009 series victory against the British & Irish Lions.
  22. [22]
    Matfield ends retirement to sign for Bulls - ESPN
    Feb 1, 2014 · Victor Matfield's return to rugby is complete after signing a deal for the 2014 and 2015 Super Rugby seasons with the Bulls.
  23. [23]
    Matfield returns with eye on 2015 Rugby World Cup | AP News
    Jan 31, 2014 · The Bulls Super Rugby team said Matfield accepted a contract to play again for the 2014 and 2015 seasons and South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer ...Missing: comeback | Show results with:comeback<|control11|><|separator|>
  24. [24]
    South Africa's Victor Matfield to bow out as captain against Argentina
    Oct 28, 2015 · Victor Matfield will end his international career when he captains a strong South Africa side against Argentina in the Rugby World Cup bronze medal match.
  25. [25]
    South Africa 24-13 Argentina Rugby World Cup bronze final REPORT
    Oct 30, 2015 · Victor Matfield signed off on his stellar Test career as South Africa secured a 24-13 victory over Argentina in the third-place play-off at the ...
  26. [26]
    Victor Matfield's future with Japan as Eddie Jones adds ex-Boks coach
    Aug 13, 2025 · Last year, legendary Springboks lock Victor Matfield was confirmed as an advisor to Japan, lending his lineout expertise to the side. Remove Ads.
  27. [27]
    Matfield to coach Bulls pack | News24
    Nov 20, 2012 · The Bulls have confirmed the appointment of Victor Matfield as their Forwards and Attack Coach for the 2013 Super Rugby season.
  28. [28]
    Why Victor Matfield jumped at the opportunity to join the Lions ...
    Aug 10, 2017 · Matfield has resumed his long-standing association with new Lions coach Swys de Bruin, as forwards consultant for the remainder of the Currie Cup.
  29. [29]
    Rugby: Springboks great Matfield set for Japan coaching role
    Feb 11, 2024 · Former Springboks captain Victor Matfield will reunite with Eddie Jones in a coaching role for the Japanese national rugby team, ...
  30. [30]
    How Springboks legend Victor Matfield nearly signed for the ACT ...
    But Matfield was ready to join the Brumbies in 2012 to help White rebuild the club. The NSW Waratahs offered Matfield a job as a coach, but White offered ...
  31. [31]
    Victor Matfield: 'Springboks are using lineout tactics that I've always ...
    Sep 10, 2025 · Victor Matfield is not happy with the way the Springboks' lineout is being run and much prefers the tactics the All Blacks are deploying.
  32. [32]
    Rivals: The Podcast with Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield
    Sep 1, 2025 · Rivals: The Podcast is hosted by rugby legends John Kirwan and Victor Matfield, and dives into the biggest stories in the global game.
  33. [33]
    Vodacom Blue Bulls
    The Vodacom Bulls and Vodacom Blue Bulls have their beginnings in a decision that was made in 1938 as the Northern Transvaal Rugby Union.Missing: debut | Show results with:debut
  34. [34]
    Currie Cup Finals Results 1939-2019 | Rugby365
    Sep 4, 2019 · 1997: Western Province vs Free State, 14-12 at Newlands 1998: Blue Bulls vs Western Province, 24-20 in Pretoria 1999: Lions vs Natal, 32-9 ...
  35. [35]
    Past Winners - Super Rugby Pacific
    Super Rugby - Past Winners. Super 12. 1996 Blues 1997 Blues 1998 Crusaders 1999 Crusaders 2000 Crusaders 2001 Brumbies 2002 Crusaders 2003 Blues 2004 ...
  36. [36]
    Springboks - SA Rugby
    Other highlights of the professional era include victories in the Rugby Championship (Tri-Nations) in 1998, 2004, 2009, 2019 and 2024, as well as series ...
  37. [37]
    Springboks snare Tri-Nations trophy - ABC News
    Aug 21, 2004 · South Africa regained the Tri-Nations title after a five-year break by hanging on for a nail-biting 23-19 victory over Australia in the ...
  38. [38]
    Springboks win 2009 Tri-Nations - Brand South Africa
    Sep 14, 2009 · South Africa secured the 2009 Tri-Nations title with a 32-29 win over New Zealand in Hamilton on Saturday. It was the Springboks' fifth win from six Tri- ...
  39. [39]
    World Cup winners: The class of 2007 ... Where are they now?
    Oct 20, 2017 · Lock: Victor Matfield. Matfield was voted the Player of the Final after a superb display of lineout jumping. Not only did the Bulls man win ...
  40. [40]
    Most capped Springboks of all-time: Willie le Roux, Eben Etzebeth
    Jul 16, 2025 · ... Victor Matfield's record of 127 caps. Matfield held the honour of the most capped Springboks player of all-time after earning his 127th and ...
  41. [41]
    Matfield happy that 'one of the best Boks ever' will surpass his test ...
    Sep 16, 2024 · Matfield is the most capped Springbok in history having made 127 appearances over two stints, the second of which saw him packing down alongside ...
  42. [42]
    The 10 Greatest Locks in Rugby History (Ranked 10-1) - Ruck
    Sep 23, 2025 · 9. Victor Matfield – “The Lineout Whisperer”. Club: Blue Bulls, Northampton Saints Country: South Africa Height: 1.98m. Caps: ...Missing: innovations | Show results with:innovations
  43. [43]
    The Top 5 Greatest #5 Locks of All Time - theloosehead -Rugby 2025
    Feb 21, 2025 · Victor Matfield's mastery of the lineout, John Eales' groundbreaking versatility, Sam Whitelock's consistency, Colin Meads' pioneering spirit, and Nathan ...
  44. [44]
    Victor Matfield was regarded as the best lock in the world and a key ...
    May 10, 2025 · Matfield is the most capped lock in Springbok history as well as the third most capped Springbok of all-time (92) and along with Bulls and Boks ...Missing: 2011 | Show results with:2011
  45. [45]
    What Makes Victor Matfield One Of The Greatest Springbok No.5 ...
    Aug 15, 2025 · Kooks, Fudge, Ricky and Juicy Jay reminisce about Victor Matfield and how he revolutionized the no.5 lock position for the Springboks.
  46. [46]
    Rugby's Greatest: Victor Matfield - South African Lock
    Sep 5, 2019 · Matfield captained South Africa to a 47-13 defeat of a World XV in Cape Town at the age of 37 and promptly added to his tally of 110 caps in the ensuing two- ...<|control11|><|separator|>