Matfield enters Lions' den as a coach

The announcement was made by the Golden Lions Rugby Company on Thursday.

The Lions face the Sharks in a Currie Cup Round Five encounter at Ellis Park on Saturday.

As was reported earlier, Zacharia Francois de Bruin - affectionately known as Swys, takes over from Johan Ackermann as head coach.

JP Ferreira has moved from his role as defence coach into the position of attack coach - De Bruin's previous position.

Ivan van Rooyen (conditioning) has retained his position.

Matfield (forwards) and Joey Mongalo (defence) are new additions to the coaching roster.

Matfield joins the Lions on a consultancy basis - with the emphasis on line-outs and scrummaging respectively.

The Lions Rugby has opted to utilise Matfield to add value and leadership within the Lions - drawing from his vast experience from both South Africa and the international game.

"Whist we are very proud to be able to promote our junior staff, giving them opportunities to grow, I welcome another Springbok into the Lions' family," Rudolf Straeuli, CEO of the Lions Rugby Company, said.

Mongalo coached the Lions Under-19 side to the provincial champions in 2016, his first year as head coach for the junior side.

He was also assistant coach for the South Africa Under-20 at the Junior World Cup in 2015.

Over the course of his career, Matfield has won the Currie Cup three times (2002, 2004 and  2009), the Super 14 title in 2007, 2009 and 2010, the Tri-Nations in 2004 and 2009 and the World Cup in 2007.

"I love the culture of the Lions and felt that I wanted to be a part of it," Matfield said.

"I also played under Swys [de Bruin] while at Griquas and became a Springbok under his mentorship," Matfield said.

Golden Lions Currie Cup management team:

Head coach: Swys de Bruin

Attack coach: JP Ferreira

Defence coach: Joey Mongalo

Forwards coach: Victor Matfield

Conditioning coach: Ivan van Rooyen

Team physician: Dr Rob Collins

Physiotherapist: Preven Appalsamy

Biokineticist: Jannie Klingbiel

Massage therapist: Ram Mpila and Carol Dickson

Team manager: Mustapha Boomgaard

Assistant team manager: Johane Singwane