Victor Matfield - Springboks’ big man, big name

When it comes to sheer size and stature they do not come much bigger than South African rugby legend Victor Matfield.

And the fantastic news for rugby fans in Bermuda is that the six-foot-six-and–a-bit second rower is heading to Bermuda to take part in this year’s Rugby Classic.

Matfield is the Springboks’ most capped international having appeared in no fewer than 110 tests for his country in a glittering career that spanned 10 years.

And the 36-year-old was a huge part of the all-conquering side that won the 2007 World Cup.

Matfield’s decision to come to Bermuda is a huge coup for the Classic, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year.

And it will see him join up with fellow centenarian and Springbok great Percy Montgomery, who played last year, in a formidably strong South African outfit.

Meanwhile Classic organisers have hailed the news that French centre, Yannick Jauzion, will also be gracing the National Sports Centre with his silky skills.

Jauzion, 35, racked up 73 caps for his country and played in the French Grand Slam winning sides of 2002, 2004 and 2010.

The best

John Kane, president of the Classic, told the Bermuda Sun: “Both South Africa and France, in bringing these two top players, are fulfilling what the Classic is about and that is getting the best players in the world to come to Bermuda shortly after retiring from first class rugby.

“Victor Matfield and Yannick Jauzion are two of the most outstanding players on the world stage and we are very fortunate that Bermuda will see them in action. 

“In addition we have managed to attract the most experienced referee in the game, Jonathan Kaplan of South Africa, who has recently retired after refereeing more international test matches than anyone else in rugby.”

This year’s Rugby Classic kicks off on November 9 when Argentina take on Canada and the Classic Lions look to get their campaign off to a winning start against the Italians.