Matfield had been linked with a move to Leicester Tigers of the English Premiership after the 2007 Rugby World Cup.,[7] but later signed a six-month contract with French second division club Toulon, beginning in January 2008.[8] At Toulon, he joined an ambitious side whose president Mourad Boudjellai signed many veteran superstars for the 2007–2008 season, such as Australian George Gregan, the sport's all-time leader in international appearances; Andrew Mehrtens, the all-time leading scorer for the All Blacks; and, as coach, former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga.