Namibia Captain Jacques Burger has recently admitted that he will be retiring from Rugby Union after the next season. The 32-year-old Saracens flanker feels that he still has one season of playing time left but doesn’t see himself playing on after that.
Burger, who has 100 caps for Saracens and 35 for Namibia, broke the news of his impending retirement while training with his national side who face New Zealand in their opening game of the competition.
Planet Rugby reports that Burger will be retiring from rugby completely, although it is suggested that the 6 ft 2 forward would consider a role in defense coaching – a posistion which would suit him perfectly.
“At the moment, the plans are that I’ll retire after this season. I think I’ll be retiring from all rugby but I might consider trying to get involved with defence coaching”I’ve got the farm back home, which is always an option,“So, after this World Cup, I’ll be retiring from international rugby.”
Burger mentioned that honouring his contract with Saracens is important for him because the club has supported him for so long.
“I think it will be the right time for me to finish and then I’ll focus for the rest of the season on my contract with Saracens. The club has been great to me, really loyal to me, so I’d like to finish my playing career there.
“I suppose you never know, after this year I might feel fresh and play one more year but I doubt it.
Speaking about his upcoming World Cup tie against New Zealand, Burger admitted that one of his aims is to earn a win for his national side before he retires and is relishing the opportunity to try to beat the All Blacks.
“So one of my great remaining ambitions is to win a World Cup match with Namibia.“Playing against the All Blacks too will be great, I’ve never done that. But to win a match would be very, very special. “The people back home would go absolutely mental!”
Saracens fans will be upset by Burger’s announcement but after his immense service to the club, they can only accept the Namibian’s decision and honour him after he finishes playing the sport.
