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Victor: My Journey
As the most capped Springbok rugby player ever, Victor Matfield is a national hero who transcends rugby provincialism and has fans across the world. His rugby exploits and achievements are 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 covers Victor’s career from when he was an under-eight barefoot player to the conclusion of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. It is an absorbing, behind-the-scenes account of a world very few people are privy to, and reveals the hard lessons he learnt in business, and how people – even friends – have exploited his fame to make a quick buck.
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 covers Victor’s career from when he was an under-eight barefoot player to the conclusion of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. It is an absorbing, behind-the-scenes account of a world very few people are privy to, and reveals the hard lessons he learnt in business, and how people – even friends – have exploited his fame to make a quick buck.
- GenresBiographyNonfiction
344 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 7, 2020
Interesting to read from a players point of view, and get to see the impact of the media and political on the players and game. Also a great read during lockdown and got ro relive the Boks an Bulle moments. The language is very technical but one with little knowledge of rugby can still get the gist of story.
April 23, 2012
The book was a good read about one of the best servants of Springbok history. The book details his early days getting into rugby but get really detailed when his professional rugby career starts and exposes how he feels and thinks about some of the events which have happened in Bulls and Springbok rugby history.
It does become obvious as one reads it that the book was originally written in Afrikaans (his mother tongue) and then translated into English although the translation wasn't jarring and it was still very enjoyable.
It does become obvious as one reads it that the book was originally written in Afrikaans (his mother tongue) and then translated into English although the translation wasn't jarring and it was still very enjoyable.
November 24, 2015
Interesting life story of this well-known South African rugby player. I got a bit overwhelmed with the games and score details. However for an avid fan of the game of rugby that would be no problem. I found that some of the contentious issues of politics within the South African rugby powers glossed over. Not as revealing as I would have expected. But this book certainly brings across Matfield's dedication, passion and love for the game.
December 22, 2011
Like a ball-by-ball commentary of a 5-day cricket test. Boring and too politically correct.
Expected more, but confirmed my view of Victor as a great lock but mediocre leader.
Expected more, but confirmed my view of Victor as a great lock but mediocre leader.
December 29, 2011
Good book about the Springboks and their World Cup quests...
March 16, 2014
Quite interesting read.
January 22, 2014
Interesting.
April 6, 2014
A fairly entertaining book.
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March 9, 2015want to read it
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews