Super Rugby
Victor Matfield eyes Bulls run
ESPN Staff
November 1, 2013
Barbarians lock Victory Matfield is held by the Wallabies' defence, Australia v Barbarians, Killik Cup, Twickenham, London, England, November 26, 2011
Victor was a warrior on the field © Getty Images
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The Bulls are looking to re-sign Victor Matfield for Super Rugby 2014, with the Rugby World Cup 2007 winner training hard in Pretoria as he attempts to return to the playing ranks three years after retiring, Supersport reports.

Supersport reports that officials close to the Bulls team have privately confirmed the prospective comeback of both Matfield and Super Rugby 2007 winner Derick Hougaard, but the franchise has made no official comment and the players are keeping quiet.

Matfield even has one eye on Rugby World Cup 2015 should he impress back on the field after his absence as a media pundit and coach, Supersport reported.

Matfield, who retired as a player after Rugby World Cup 2011, was the subject of rumours last year, when Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer sought experienced second-rows, but he elected to remain in his coaching role with the Bulls. Supersport, however, reports that Bulls officials believe Matfield still has a season in him, at least, and that he has been seen training with Springboks fitness coach Basil Carzils in Pretoria. And Matfield wrote recently in a column that he would face "a very tough decision" if Meyer asked him to return.

Hougaard, currently a kicking coach with the Bulls, hopes also to return to the field as the Achilles injury that forced him to quit Saracens in 2010 has since healed.

Derick Hougaard's career with Saracens ended on a stretcher © Getty Images
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