01/05/2008 21:31

Pretoria - The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd has announced that Springbok lock Victor Matfield has signed a contract with them to return "home".

Matfield signed a contract starting on July 1, 2008 and ending October 31, 2011.

The press release stated:

Matfield always wanted to come back to South Africa and the Bulls as it is a huge challenge for him to be part of the new era in South African Rugby and Bulls Rugby.

For the Bulls, Matfield has "returned home" as he played most of his senior rugby in Pretoria and knows the setup and culture of the side intimately.

Matfield was ecstatic about his impending return.

"I am really looking forward to seeing my friends again at the Bulls," he said, "I really missed the rugby in South Africa a lot and to be able to join a team like the Bulls is an absolute honour. I know that I need to be in a structure like the Bulls to play myself back into contention for national honours and that make the challenge even greater. I know the Bulls don't have their best season but I have no doubt that they will be a force again soon."

Matfield said he was looking forward to the challenge of playing for a place in the highly competitive Springbok squad and hopefully he will be able to impress the Springbok coach and national selectors enough to make his way back into the Springbok squad.

Bulls coach Ludeke was also pleased with Matfield's arrival.

"Victor has played most of his rugby here prior to his move to Toulon and he is rightfully returning home. We are indeed lucky to be able to secure a player of his quality as he adds a lot of leadership and experience to our team. I only worked with him for the short period at the pre-season camp in George and was very impressed with his knowledge, work ethic and professionalism. He was named the World's Most Valuable Player for a reason."