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.
- Position
- Flanker
- Test Debut
- 11 June 2003 vs Scotland in Durban
- World Cup Wins
- 1 (2007)
- Test Caps
- 86
Verified Timeline
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.
In Their Own Story
Schalk stood near the ruck, eyes fixed on the opposition's loose forward. As the ball emerged, he didn't just tackle; he erased space. The impact was heavy, a collision of green and white against the mud-stained jersey of the rival. He rolled quickly to his feet, shouting for clearance, embodying the unyielding spirit that kept South Africa standing when the pressure mounted.
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.
Did You Know?
- Burger was named IRB Player of the Year in 2004.
- He holds the record for the third most appearances (84) by a Springbok flanker.
- He was shown a yellow card six times in international rugby, second only to Italy's Marco Bortolami (7 times) as of June 2014.
- Burger made his Test debut against Georgia in 2003 at the Rugby World Cup.
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.
What was Schalk Burger's role on the field?
As an open or blindside flanker, Burger was renowned for his physical dominance, powerful tackling, and exceptional ability to score tries from the backline. His aggressive style made him a central figure in both breakdowns and attacking plays.
Why is Schalk Burger considered one of the greatest Springboks?
Burger holds the records for the most test appearances and tries scored by any Springbok flanker, cementing his status as an all-time great. He was named IRB Player of the Year in 2004 and won the South African Rugby Player of the Year award twice.
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.
How does Schalk Burger's international career conclude?
After earning 86 caps and becoming one of the most decorated players in Springbok history, he retired from international rugby having left a lasting legacy as a world-class flanker. His career is often highlighted by his record-breaking try-scoring ability for his position.
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