As the most capped Springbok ever, Victor Matfield is a national hero who transcends rugby provincialism and has fans across the world. His rugby exploits and achievements are numerous: he was an instrumental part of the team that won the 2007 Rugby World Cup, he helped win two Tri Nations tournaments for the Boks, he has lifted the Super 14 trophy three times with the Bulls and he has enjoyed Currie Cup glory.

In his much-anticipated autobiography, he opens up about his life, from growing up as a shy boy in Pietersburg to moving to Pretoria, where he had to learn the hard way about dealing with the pleasures of life as a talented young rugby player. He talks frankly about his issues with coaches, including his mentor Heyneke Meyer and Jake White, who once tried to physically attack him. Victor also deals with Kamp Staaldraad and other controversies, the challenges rugby poses to his personal life and the sacrifices inherent in the life of a professional sportsman. In this Rugby World Cup year, this is undoubtedly the one book every rugby fan will want to read.

* Current and up to date: covers Victor’s career from when he was an under-eight barefoot player to the conclusion of the 2011 Rugby World Cup
* An absorbing, behind-the-scenes account of a world very few people are privy to
* Divulges why Victor and Springbok coach Jake White never saw eye to eye
* Discusses the extraordinary friendships Victor has made among the Boks, where race, language and province simply don’t matter
* Reveals the hard lessons he learnt in business, and how people – even friends – have exploited his fame to make a quick buck
* A fascinating read for aspiring young rugby players, who will learn how Victor copes with life as a professional rugby star – the girls, the drinking, the training and the challenges.
* 24 pages of photos

THE AUTHORS

VICTOR MATFIELD is the world’s foremost lock of the last decade and the most capped Springbok of all time. He has tasted success at every level of the sport and is one of the best players this country has ever seen. He is married to Monja and they have two daughters, Jaime and Giselle.

DE JONGH BORCHARDT is a former rugby journalist with more than 10 years’ writing experience. He started his career online at rugby365.com in Cape Town before moving to Pretoria, where he worked for Beeld and Rapport newspapers as specialist rugby writer. He currently works in the Communications Department of the South African Rugby Union in Cape Town. De Jongh is married to Zelda and they have one son, Tiaan.

Publication due December 2011.