South African Rugby
Matfield hints at retirement re-think
ESPNscrum Staff
January 26, 2012
South Africa's Victor Matfield counts his blessings after being named in the side for their Pool D clash with Samoa, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand, September 29, 2011
Springboks legend Victor Matfield retired from all rugby at the end of last year © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Victor Matfield | Heyneke Meyer
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby Championship
Teams: South Africa

Springboks legend Victor Matfield has revealed that he would consider coming out of retirement should Heyneke Meyer be confirmed as South Africa's new coach.

The 34-year-old, who opted to hang up his boots following South Africa's exit at the recent Rugby World Cup, is tempted by the prospect of linking up with his former Bulls mentor who is widely expected to be unveiled as the new Boks coach on Friday.

"Everyone knows what I think about Heyneke, but we must wait until Friday [tomorrow] before we talk about it," he told The Star newspaper. "Let's wait and see what happens, we will talk. Everything has consequences. Playing? I don't know but we will see. It depends if he wants me. I really don't know, it is difficult to say."

However, Matfield, capped 110 times during a glittering Test career, has since played down the likelihood of a playing return, writing on Twitter: "Like I've always said. Don't believe everything you read in the paper."

A key member of the 2007 Rugby World Cup winning side, Matfield has recently signed a contract with South African broadcaster Supersport but may have to put that deal on hold if, as expected, he is invited to join Meyer's backroom staff.

On Wednesday, the Blue Bulls Company confirmed that the South African Rugby Union (SARU) had approached them regarding the services of their executive for rugby with Bulls forwards coach Johann van Graan, defence coach John McFarland and strength and conditioning coach Basil Carzis also linked with a switch to the international set-up.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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