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Rossouw sticks around for Matfield

Sunday 11th May 2008

Rossouw: 'Money isn't everything'

South Africa star Danie Rossouw turned down a big-money offer from Northampton Saints after hearing that his World Cup-winning team-mate Victor Matfield was returning home to South Africa.

Rossouw admitted he had turned down the Saints in an interview with the Afrikaans Sunday newspaper Sondag, which also revealed that Matfield's return could also see two other Springboks, Fourie du Preez and Wikus van Heerden, stay at the Bulls.

Du Preez is considering an offer from Cardiff Blues, while Van Heerden will make a decision this week about a move to Saracens.

Matfield turned down an offer from the Saints reportedly almost double the value of the one he received from the Bulls to return home to South Africa last week.

And Rossouw admitted Matfield's decision was the reason why he extended his contract.

The newspaper also reported that Rossouw also turned down offers from the likes of Stade Français, Toulon and Brive.

"Its great to know that I will still be playing at Loftus Versfeld," said Rossouw.

"I made my decision when I heard that Victor would be returning because I enjoy playing alongside him.

"I still haven't played so well this year in the Super 14 and I want to build a name for myself for another year before I go overseas.

"Money isn't always everything and I would rather put everything in to rebuild the Bulls."

Rossouw signed a one-year extension to his contract, while Du Preez, whose contract expires at the end of May, will make a decision soon.

"I told Victor that if he comes back then I would stay at the Bulls," said Du Preez.

"We can restart our partnership that won the Super 14 and I am currently in negotiations with the Bulls and should make a decision soon."

Van Heerden, who captained the Bulls this year in Du Preez's absence, was thought certain to sign for Saracens, but has had a rethink in the meantime.

"I will take a decision soon, but I am happy in Pretoria and don't really want to move," said Van Heerden.