Windhoek
Namibian rugby fifteen inspirational skipper Jacques Burger is expected to arrive in Windhoek this weekend to join the national squad ahead of the two tests in the Windhoek Draught Friendship Series against Russia a week later.
Speaking from London where he is still training with his club Saracens, the hippy look-alike flanker said he was very excited to play at home again.
“It is always a great joy to play in front of your people, friends and family. I am really looking forward to join up with my team-mates and represent my country again.”
Burger played the last of his 30 test matches for Namibia in the 12-19 defeat to Canada in Colwyn Bay in November last year and if selected for the first test against Russia it will be his first appearance on home soil since November 2009 against Tunisia.
“The senior players will all be back and we need to support the talented locally based players with our experience and decision-making on the field. I really can’t wait to play for Namibia again,” added Burger.
Regarded as one of the most abrasive and effective open-side flankers in European rugby, Burger earlier this year made his 100th appearance for Saracens and went on to celebrate a milestone a week later featuring in Saracens’ 28-18 win over Bath in the Aviva premiership final.
The 31-year-old was plagued by injuries in 2013 and early in 2014 but made a remarkable comeback to be part of Saracens’ 2nd premiership title in five years. He says he is very happy with his physical condition.
“It was a very long season in Europe and we played a lot of rugby over the three competitions. I have had a month off – it has done me a great deal of good and I feel that I am ready to give my best again.”
Burger is adamant that the recent turmoil in Namibian rugby, which saw the departure of coach Danie Vermeulen less than 100 days before the Rugby World Cup, would not affect the team’s campaign.
“There was a lot said and done off the field but with us as players nothing has changed. To represent your country is a privilege not many people enjoy. We promise our supporters that we will continue to give our best, stay positive and work towards our goal of recording a first ever victory at the Rugby World Cup.”
The likeable Burger believes the players alone will not achieve their goal without the support of the entire country and expressed the hope the public will get behind the team.
“This will give us the confidence we need going into the test series against Russia and the rest of our campaign leading up to Rugby World Cup 2015.”