Victor Matfield has thrown his hat into the ring for the Bulls head coaching job vacated by Frans Ludeke, but his immediate focus is with the Springboks.
The World Cup-winning lock has been involved in a dual player-coaching role since coming out of retirement a few seasons ago, but now wants to run the show.
Ludeke left the Bulls on Wednesday after eight seasons, rejecting a technical office job he was earmarked for after surrendering the head coaching reins two weeks ago.
Matfield is reportedly in a tight two-way race with Bok assistant coach Johann van Graan for the job.
"No one has spoken formally to me about the job at this moment but I'll have a look at my options next year," said Matfield, who was the Bulls' attacking coach during their disappointing Super Rugby campaign.
"I've always said I love the Bulls and they are very close to my heart, but we'll have to wait and see.
"For now I'm only focusing on helping the Springboks win the World Cup."
Matfield revealed that Ludeke was off to Fiji to help the islanders with the World Cup.
Matfield said he had learnt a lot from the outgoing coach.
"His record as the most successful [provincial] coach in South Africa speaks for Frans. He took over in 2008 . and he pulled the team together to win two Super Rugby titles and a Currie Cup.
"It's always sad to see someone go but sometimes the time for change comes."
Boks first as Vic eyes Bulls job
Victor Matfield has thrown his hat into the ring for the Bulls head coaching job vacated by Frans Ludeke, but his immediate focus is with the Springboks.
The World Cup-winning lock has been involved in a dual player-coaching role since coming out of retirement a few seasons ago, but now wants to run the show.
Ludeke left the Bulls on Wednesday after eight seasons, rejecting a technical office job he was earmarked for after surrendering the head coaching reins two weeks ago.
Matfield is reportedly in a tight two-way race with Bok assistant coach Johann van Graan for the job.
"No one has spoken formally to me about the job at this moment but I'll have a look at my options next year," said Matfield, who was the Bulls' attacking coach during their disappointing Super Rugby campaign.
"I've always said I love the Bulls and they are very close to my heart, but we'll have to wait and see.
"For now I'm only focusing on helping the Springboks win the World Cup."
Matfield revealed that Ludeke was off to Fiji to help the islanders with the World Cup.
Matfield said he had learnt a lot from the outgoing coach.
"His record as the most successful [provincial] coach in South Africa speaks for Frans. He took over in 2008 . and he pulled the team together to win two Super Rugby titles and a Currie Cup.
"It's always sad to see someone go but sometimes the time for change comes."
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