Aviva Premiership
Springboks' Rugby World Cup winner Victor Matfield signs for Northampton Saints
ESPN Staff
September 9, 2015

Northampton have bolstered their forward options for the 2015-16 season with the signing of Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok Victor Matfield.

Giant lock Matfield is preparing to play in his fourth World Cup with South Africa, having worn the green jersey on 123 occasions since making his debut against Italy 14 years ago.

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder says the 38-year-old -- who will hook up with his new team once his involvement in the World Cup is over -- will bring a wealth of experience to Franklin's Gardens.

"Victor is one of the outstanding forwards in world rugby," he commented. "He has been at the top of the game for well over a decade now and his selection by South Africa for a fourth consecutive World Cup shows that he remains a force to be reckoned with.

"We're very much looking forward to Victor joining up with the squad and believe he has a lot to offer the club, not only on the field, but also off it in terms of his leadership qualities and experience."

Matfield, who enjoyed a spell with Toulon in 2007, revealed this was not the first approach Saints had made for his services.

"It is an honour for me to join the Northampton Saints," he said. "Seven years ago Saints very nearly became my rugby home and I feel privileged to be given another opportunity to join the club.

"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 the European Rugby Champions Cup.

"For now I will focus only on the Springboks' campaign to win the Rugby World Cup but I am very excited about the journey with Saints from November onwards."

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