Burger's comeback up for award

 

One of the outstanding players in South African rugby, Burger fought through injuries and life-threatening meningitis to return to the Springboks team in 2014.

 

He had a cyst next to his spinal chord and went into hospital for treatment, but developed bacterial meningitis and was moved to intensive care. 

 

“There was a critical stage for nearly five days in which there was a lot of uncertainty," Burger said.

 

"I was in isolation and I was seriously ill, so ill in fact that some people around me thought this is it.”

 

His parents were called to the hospital to say ‘goodbye’.

 

He recovered and made a remarkable comeback, being picked for the Springboks squad to play against Australia and New Zealand in the Rugby Championship.

 

Then he was named man of the match in the November victory over England at Twickenham, in which he scored the decisive third try.

 

Doctors said the average person would never have made it back to top class competition, let alone be named man of the match in such a high pressure game.

 

All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick said: “The story of Schalk’s recovery is amazing. He not only survived such a serious illness, but in a relatively short time he was back in the Springboks team and winning matches for them.

 

"What a great tribute to his fighting spirit. All he needs now to complete this remarkable comeback is to have a wonderful World Cup later this year.”

 

Former Springboks captain Morné du Plessis, who was also manager of the 1995 World Cup winning team, said: “I have known Schalk and his family for many years and I know that there were very real concerns for his wellbeing during his illness.

 

"It really was a great relief for his family, friends and supporters  to just see him well again, not even to think at that stage that he would make a miraculous comeback and be back to his best on the rugby pitch.

 

"I am sure he will have his eye on making a big impact in the World Cup for the Springboks."

 

The names of the Nominees will be announced on February 11 after the vote by the Laureus Global Media Selection Panel, comprising leading sports editors, sports writers, broadcasters and online journalists from around the world. 

 

The eventual winner will then be chosen, from that shortlist, in a secret ballot by the 47 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy – the living legends of sport honouring the greatest athletes of today – and revealed at the Laureus World Sports Awards Ceremony in Shanghai on April 15.