Matfield retires a 'winner'

Northampton boss Jim Mallinder praised the 38-year-old former Bok captain, who has retired four days shy of his 39th birthday, for his services to Northampton rugby.

“I had a chat with Victor at the end,” Mallinder said. 

“He has been fantastic for us. 

"He did not come here to play 80 minutes 32 times but be a part of the squad. 

"He has played a massive part for us.”

Matfield arrived in Northampton following the 2015 Rugby World Cup and has come off the bench in most of his appearances, as he did on Saturday when he came on in the 58th minute to help the Saints to victory against Gloucester.

Matfield, who has featured in three World Cups, is the most-capped Springbok with 127 caps and has won three Super Rugby titles with the Bulls

Joining Matfield on his way out of Northampton is Samoan scrumhalf Kahn Fotuali’i, who is joining Bath.