Schalk Burger
South African flanker, 2007 World Cup winner, IRB Player of the Year 2004.
Schalk Willem Petrus Burger Jr. (born 13 April 1983) is a South African former professional rugby union player. He played as a flanker for Saracens in the English Premiership and won 86 caps for South Africa. He was a member of the 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning team, was twice named South African Rugby Player of the Year (in 2004 and 2011), and was named IRB Player of the Year in 2004, among other accolades. He also holds the record for the third most appearances (84) (behind Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit) and third most tries scored (13) by a Springbok flanker.
However, Burger's physical approach also resulted in him being shown a yellow card six times in international rugby, second only to Italy's Marco Bortolami (7 times) as of June 2014. Burger also suffered injuries, especially to his neck and knee, which sidelined him for considerable periods at a time. He also played four times for the Barbarians.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Schalk Willem Petrus Burger Jr.
- Born
- 13 April 1983
- Birthplace
- Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Height
- 193 cm / 6 ft 4 in
- Weight
- 114 kg / 251 lb
- Occupation
- Rugby player
- School
- Paarl Gimnasium
- University
- Stellenbosch University
Lore & Background
Burger is one of a handful of second-generation Springboks. His father, also called Schalk Burger, was an international lock, being capped for South Africa during the 'isolation years' of the 1980s. Burger attended high school at Paarl Gimnasium, along with future teammate and Springbok captain Jean de Villiers, and enjoyed success in many sports. Burger attended Stellenbosch University and stayed in Eendrag Men's Residence before leaving in order to pursue a full-time rugby career. After playing for the Under 21 Springbok side that won the U21 Rugby World Cup in 2002 and then captaining it in 2003, Burger was selected for the senior Springbok squad. He made his debut against Georgia in 2003 at the Rugby World Cup and carved out a name as one of the best flankers in the world with solid performances in the Super 12, Tri-Nations and Currie Cup.
Reader's Guide
Burger's career included a serious neck injury in 2006 requiring cervical fusion surgery, from which he recovered to play in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He was cited for a high tackle during that tournament and received a four-match suspension, later reduced to two on appeal. In 2008 he was banned for two weeks for abusing a touch judge. In 2009 he received an eight-week ban for making contact with the eye area of Lions winger Luke Fitzgerald. In 2010 he suffered a broken rib during the Currie Cup final. In 2012–13 he struggled with injury and illness, including a cyst near his spinal cord and subsequent bacterial meningitis, which required six weeks in hospital and eight weeks recovering indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Schalk Burger?
Schalk Burger is a legendary South African former professional rugby union player who earned 86 caps as a flanker for the Springboks. He represented his country from 2003 until his retirement and also played club rugby for Saracens in England.
Did Schalk Burger win a World Cup?
Yes, he was a key member of the squad that secured the 2007 Rugby World Cup title for South Africa. His consistent performance throughout the tournament was instrumental in their victory over England in the final.
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