Matfield confirmed as Lions’ new forwards coach

The Lions have confirmed the appointment of former Springbok lock Victor Matfield as their new forwards coach.

Lions assistant coach Swys de Bruin has taken over the coaching reins from Johan Ackermann, who left the Johannesburg-based outfit for Gloucester. 

Ackermann was also the Lions' forwards coach and with Matfield replacing him, the Lions have reshuffled the rest of their coaching staff.

With De Bruin now the Johannesburg-based franchise's head coach, former defence coach JP Ferreira takes over from De Bruin as the Lions' new attack coach. Ex Lions U19 coach Joey Mongalo replaces Ferreira as the defence coach.

Matfield played for the Springboks between 2001 and 2015 and won three Super Rugby titles with the Bulls.

The 40-year-old and De Bruin used to have a player/coach relationship at Griquas when they were both there early on in their careers.

Matfield retired as a player in 2015 after the World Cup. Since then he has been working as a televison pundit.