Bye Bye Burger!
The Namibian international will take to the field for the last time on Sunday, ending his long and illustrious career. He will trade his boots in when he return to his homeland to become a farmer. Burger made 113 appearances for Saracens and 41 caps for Namibia.
"Sunday will be the end of something really special for me. Going into the game knowing that it is the last time I will ever run out on a rugby field is actually quite a nice feeling, as in this game you don't get to do that very often.
"I just want to make it an incredible experience, and I hope it is just a great occasion and that the boys do well on the day as well," Burger said.
The 32-year-old arrived at Saracens in 2009, relatively unknown, but made a mammoth impact. Commenting on his retirement, Burger stated: "It is sad that it is coming to an end but I’ve said this before, playing rugby is something that I have really loved doing. Growing up as a child I wanted to be a professional rugby player, and I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to live that dream.
"It’s been an amazing journey. I’ve loved every minute at Saracens, as it’s been like home from minute one. It has been an incredible ride,"
Burger has carved out a reputation as one of the most feared back row forwards. Unrelenting commitment to the game, coupled with his abrasive and physical style means that he will go down as a Saracens' great according to the club’s director of rugby, Mark McCall.
"Jacques has been an amazing player and person for Saracens, he set a phenomenal example on the field with his bravery and the way that he gave everything he could in every game that he played.
"Off the field, his resilience and resolve to deal with a potentially career ending injury was both remarkable and inspirational. He will always be remembered as one of the true greats of Saracens and hopefully we can give him the send-off he so richly deserves," McCall stated.
Saracens' Chairman Nigel Wray also paid tribute to Burger.
"Jacques is probably one of the greatest warriors ever to play for Saracens,"said Wray.
He added: "Two Premierships and thousands of bone juddering tackles, what an impact he has made. Jacques is a true gentleman off the field and has played a huge role in creating the culture we have at Saracens today. We will miss him hugely, of course, but what memories we will all have."
