He is generally considered one of the best locks to have ever played for South Africa[4] and had a long successful partnership with Springbok and Blue Bulls teammate Bakkies Botha.

When an injury affected his batting and bowling he decided to pursue rugby instead and was selected for Far North's junior Craven Week team before playing lock for Hoërskool Pietersburg.

Matfield was an instant selection for South Africa's 2007 World Cup winning-squad, and won the Man of the Match award in the final for his brilliant work in the line-out.

Matfield had been linked with a move to Leicester Tigers of the English Premiership after the 2007 Rugby World Cup.,[8] but later signed a six-month contract with French second division club Toulon, beginning in January 2008.

Between January and February 2008, Matfield played for Toulon in a stretch of nine key matches, before returning to South Africa and taking part in the 2008 Super 14 season with the Bulls.

It was reported his decision to return was due to the South African Rugby Union having reconsidered to continue with its policy of allowing a limited number of overseas-based players to play for the Springboks.