Matfield: No decision yet
Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:44
World Cup-winning Springbok lock Victor Matfield is prolonging the agony of both Northampton Saints and Bulls, as they await a decision from the player on his future.
It has been confirmed that Matfield - currently playing for French Second Division outfit Toulon in the Pro D2 league - has offers on the table from both the Saints and Bulls.
However, it appears he will not meet a Wednesday deadline to reveal his decision.
Jason Smith, Matfield's agent, told rugby365.com that Matfield "hasn't made any decision" about his future. He added that he is not sure when Matfield will decide, despite the player's stated intention to make an announcement.
Ian Schwartz, the Business and Communications Manager at the Bulls, confirmed that they had given Matfield till the weekend to make up his mind about their offer.
"Yes, we have made Victor [Matfield] an offer to return to Pretoria," Schwartz said of the team's 2007 Super 14-winning captain.
"We will know by Saturday what his decision is about our [the Bulls'] offer," Schwartz told this website.
Matfield, in recent interviews, suggested that he would prefer the Bulls over Northampton, despite the obvious monitory advantages of playing in the Guinness Premiership.
Matfield said the Saints set-up was impressive, but he is also eager to be eligible to face the British and Irish Lions next June.
According to reports the Saints offer is £325,000 (US$640,000) a year, while at the Bulls he will earn ZAR3m (US$395,000) a year.
By Jan de Koning
