Matfield exit a problem for Bulls
Victor Matfield’s decision to join Northampton has left the Bulls high and dry in their search for a Super Rugby coach.
|||Springbok lock Victor Matfield’s decision to further prolong his playing career by another year has left the Bulls high and dry in their search for a Super Rugby coach.
The 38-year-old Matfield has been released from his coaching contract as the Bulls’ forwards and attack coach and will join English premiership outfit Northampton Saints on a one year deal which will rule him out of contention for the vacant head coach job.
Matfield has long been seen as the frontrunner to take over the reins from Frans Ludeke after he was at the helm for eight years and winning two Super Rugby titles.
In a statement released by Northampton, Matfield revealed that his decision to join the side came about after he had declined to do so in 2008, opting to take up a lucrative six month deal with French Top 14 outfit Toulon.
“It is an honour for me to join Northampton Saints. Seven years ago Saints very nearly became my rugby home and I feel privileged to be given another opportunity to join the club,” Matfield said in the statement.
“I join Saints to make the best contribution I possibly can and I have a genuine desire to hopefully play an instrumental role in a team effort, with the aim of lifting silverware in both the Aviva Premiership and European Rugby Champions Cup.”
Matfield’s second departure from Loftus could also spell an end to any chances of Springbok scrumhalf Fourie du Preez returning to the Bulls at the end of his playing stint in Japan next year February.
Du Preez is one of the former Bulls stars that has been earmarked to play a pivotal role in the new coaching structure at Loftus from next year but the plans have seemingly fallen flat.
Another strong contender for the job is current Springbok assistant coach Johann van Graan but all indications are that Van Graan is likely to refuse the job if his contract with the Springboks is extended.
Furthermore, Van Graan will be reluctant to take up the job with his father Barend van Graan still chief executive officer of the Blue Bulls Company.
The Bulls could be left with little choice but to hand Currie Cup coach Nollis Marais a one year Super Rugby deal. - The Star