What is Springbok legend Schalk Burger up to now?

Born on 13 April 1983, some would say Schalk Burger was born to play rugby, with his father Schalk Snr having played six Tests for the Springboks in the 1980s.

Burger Jnr came flying through the ranks in South African rugby, form part of the Junior Springbok team that won the U21 Rugby World Cup in 2002, and he also captained the SA U20s in 2003. In the same year, he then made his debut for the Western Province and South Africa.

A year later, Burger’s career really took off, and he made his debut for the Stormers in Super Rugby, featuring prominently at that level while also establishing himself as a key member of the Springbok side at just 21 years of age.

Over the better part of the next decade, he became known as one of the best flankers in the world, famously forming part of the 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning team, while he was named South African Rugby Player of the Year in 2004 and 2011. He also walked away with the World Player of the Year accolade in 2004.

Burger was ultimately capped 86 times by the Springboks, the most ever by a flanker before recently being surpassed by Siya Kolisi. However, he still holds the record for the most tries by a flanker with 13.

He also made more than 100 appearances for the Stormers and more than 50 appearances for Saracens. In addition, he played for both Western Province and Suntory Sungoliath.

The story of Schalk Burger Jnr would also not be complete without highlighting how he received the Laureus Comeback of the Year Award in 2015 after returning to the Springboks team after recovering from life-threatening spinal meningitis.

So what is Schalk Burger up to now?

Now 41 years old, Burger has quickly established himself as one of the most astute broadcast pundits in the modern game, with his work for SuperSport receiving rave reviews.

His analysis as a broadcaster provides clear insight into the astute ‘rugby brain’ that made him such an effective player, and he is now a familiar figure in the commentary box for major matches.

However, that’s not all that keeps Burger busy, as he is involved in a property company as well. The former Springbok great also works with his family on the Welbedacht Wine Estate near Wellington, Western Cape.

From the rugby pitch to the fairways, Schalk is an excellent golfer, and just last year, he played with his father in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

“It’s a complete bucket list item for me,” said Schalk Jnr. “When I received the invite there was no hesitation. Lucky for me the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup schedule and my commentary duties also worked out as they have a break now. But I’ve got quite big shoes to fill at this event because everyone I speak to says, ‘Your dad is an absolute legend here’.

“I actually think rugby and golf are similar in that it’s when you’re off the field or fairways and sharing stories that’s the most rewarding. If you ask me what was the most outstanding moment of my rugby career, it’s not about the trophies or World Cups I’ve won. It’s more about the friends I’ve made and the memories of special times together.”

Family man

Burger married Michele de Munck, an interior designer from Cape Town, at the Welbedacht Estate on 3 December 2011. The couple had their first child, Schalk Jr, in August 2012, and their second son Nicol was born in March 2014.