Namibia’s Team Captain Jacques Burger Retires From International Rugby After A Confirmed Concussion During A Match Against Georgia
A rugby match at Sandy Park in Exeter on Wednesday against Georgia led to Namibia team captain Jacques Burger's concussion nine minutes into the event. Burger consequently retired from international rugby after his concussion ruled him out of his team's final 2015 World Cup Pool C game versus Argentina, reported iTV on Thursday.
Burger's test career for Namibia lasted for nine years and 36 caps, including three Rugby World Cup appearances (2007, 2011 and 2015) and on Wednesday, he was able to match Hugo Horn's 11 Rugby World Cup appearances for the country.
"It was a huge disappointment that I could not complete last night's match and an even bigger disappointment that I will not be able to play on Saturday," said Burger. "I am very proud of my team and it is not the way that you would want to end an international career. But that's the game of rugby for you."
The match against Argentina on Sunday was supposedly Burger's last match for Namibia.
"I was really hoping to finish my international career in style, the emotions were building up to the match on Sunday and to have it ended abruptly like this after just ten minutes is a bit of a setback," explained Burger. "But I have no regrets, I have had a wonderful time playing for Namibia with my friends."
Sport 24 noted on Thursday that president of the Namibia Rugby Union Bradley Basson praised Burger for his years of excellence in rugby.
"Jacques' contribution to Namibian Rugby has been immense," said Basson. "He is an inspirational leader and a true ambassador for all Namibians."
Sybrand de Beer, CEO of the Namibian Rugby Union, was also quoted saying:
"Through the way Jacques played, he portrayed what being Namibia is all about," noted de Beer. "Hard-working, honest, courageous and proud. I want to thank Jacques for his loyal service to the union and his team-mates and wish him well for the next phase in his life."
Even Namibia's Head Coach Phil Davies was all praises on Burger's professionalism and loyalty to the team.
"In my career as coach I have worked with exceptional captains," said Davies. "Jacques is one of them, an inspirational captain who led from the front and a true leader on and off the field. Jacques has played a huge role in Namibia's performances at this Rugby World Cup and has left a wonderful legacy on which future Namibian rugby players can build on."
