Victor Matfield will not play for the Bulls on their four-match tour of New Zealand and Australia.

As part of the Bulls' pre-determined plan to manage the 36-year-old lock, who returned to the game this season after a two-year absence, he will be the team's forwards and attack coach over the next month.

He will only play against the Hurricanes, Highlanders, Waratahs or Force if there is an injury.

'We’ve said from the start I’m going to be managed,' Matfield told SuperSport.com. 'This was the plan all the time, and when I came back, we spoke to the other locks as well and said this is where they will get their opportunity to play as well.

'I’ve been the coach for the whole time but it’s pretty much the same, I’ll still tour as a coach and I’ll still be involved in the training sessions. I’ll keep myself ready for that first game back.'

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