ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Namibian warrior Jacques Burger announces he will play his final game of rugby

BY Grant Constable  ·  Friday Apr 29, 2016

Namibian and Saracens legend Jacques Burger has announced that it’s time to hang up his well worn boots, playing his final game this coming Sunday. Burger, now 32-years-old, has played in three World Cups and forged a reputation as one of the hardest players around.

Coming from the lowly ranked Namibia, Burger found his way to professional rugby through neighbours South Africa, playing with Griquas before earning himself a place at the Bulls, then standing out for his country with some courageous performances in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

A contract with Saracens followed, and he hasn’t looked back. Due to his fearless style of play, his body has taken a pounding though, so he says enough is enough. He announced his international retirement after being concussed against Georgia at the 2015 RWC.

He will now return to his other love, farming, back home in Namibia.

Burger released a an extremely sincere statement yesterday, talking about his love for the sport and how his many years in top flight professional rugby have been the best of his life.

“So, the body (and face) have finally had enough. They’ve been begging me to stop playing for a while now and the time has come. I’ve loved playing the game of rugby. I am blessed to have done so at a high level.

“Big defeats, big victories, Cup Finals and three Rugby World Cups. I was obsessed with rugby, I live for it and was willing to break for it.

“What sticks out for me? The sick feeling that consumes you before a big match. The hairs standing up on the back of your neck in pre match talks, guys screaming at each other and the sound of a big collision between two players.

“The emotions, the atmospheres, the camaraderie between a group of players. All will live long in the memory.

“What I love about this game, is that there’s no hiding. To play it you need to be brave, sometimes a bit brutal, but when you walk off you shake hands and act like kids again.

“But the most important thing I’ll take away from my career, and the thing I’m most grateful for, is the friends I’ve made whilst being on this journey. All the success means nothing if you can’t celebrate it with you buddies after the match.

“That first cold beer after you’ve put in a shift together is the best feeling around. Those memories will stick forever. I’ve been overwhelmed by all the messages of support I have received and I am truly humbled.

“May I take this opportunity to say a big tahnk you to everyone who has supported me throughout my career. It’s been a period of my life that has had highs and lows, but that support has always been there.

“I’m sure in the future there will be tough times, but when I’m done and awhen I’m missing the game, I can look back on this wonderufl period in my life with real pride and affection.

“I’m very excited about what the future holds, but until then and for one last time this Sunday…

“Let’s go to work. Jacques”

Below is a farewell interview, and in the Related Posts you can see more of Jacques in action

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji Drua player Lomani slapped with ban...

  • 42 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations...

  • 43 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 97 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 98 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All