Burger set to retire from Tests

Editor

South Africa flanker Schalk Burger confirmed that he's 99 percent sure he's played his final game for the Springboks as they finished third at the World Cup.

Burger was given a standing ovation on two occasions after being subbed and then returning as a blood replacement in the 24-13 win over Argentina.

He will now head to Japan to play for Suntory Sungoliath before returning to the Stormers next season.

But while he initially said he would call it a sabbatical, he later revealed that he was almost certain that he had played his last game for the Boks.

"It was a phenomenal ovation from this crowd. I've had a good international career," said Burger. 

"At the moment I just want to sit back, surround myself with my friends and have a few beers.

"Let's call it a sabbatical. I'll take a sabbatical now, I'm going to Japan, I really enjoy being there in Tokyo. 

"Next year I'm going to the Stormers in Super Rugby. I'll take it easy but I'm 99 percent sure that's it."

Burger won 85 Springbok caps over a 12-year career and was part of the World Cup-winning side in 2007.

He was also named World Player of the Year in 2004, while more recently he recovered from life-threatening meningitis to return to the Springboks, and even captained them for the first time this year.