Victor Matfield, born in Polokwane in 1977, is widely regarded as one of the greatest locks the game of rugby has ever seen. From his earliest days playing schoolboy rugby, his tactical vision and skill in the line-out set him apart. After making his Springbok debut in 2001, he went on to achieve an extraordinary 127 international caps, captaining South Africa and playing a pivotal role in their 2007 Rugby World Cup triumph.

At franchise level, Matfield was a cornerstone of the Blue Bulls and Bulls teams, helping secure multiple Currie Cup and Super Rugby titles. His ability to read the game and dominate set pieces earned him international respect, while his calm authority and drive made him a natural leader both on and off the field. In 2008, he became the first international captain in five years to lead a team to victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand, further cementing his legacy.

After hanging up his boots following the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Matfield transitioned into new arenas. He became a television analyst, worked as a line-out consultant, and committed himself to guiding the next generation of players. Beyond sport, he took on the role of CEO at Wildswinkel Holdings, applying the principles of teamwork, discipline, and strategic thinking from rugby to the business world.

Today, Victor Matfield is in demand as a keynote speaker and mentor. He shares his story with authenticity and passion, offering audiences unique insight into what it takes to build high-performing teams, lead under pressure, and adapt to new challenges. Whether in sport, business, or personal growth, Matfield continues to embody resilience and excellence.