Q&A with Philip Burger, former Vodacom Cheetah and now USAP speedster
Philip Burger playing for USAP
Rugby15 decided to share insights on the rugby careers of our South African players abroad. The first player to be interviewed is Philip Burger, the former Bok 7’s star and Vodacom Cheetahs Currie Cup winner.
• When did you leave South Africa for France?
I left after we won the Currie Cup in 2007
• What was the major motivation in making this decision?
I wanted to try new things, and obviously the Euro was an attractive offer!
• You played Bok 7’s and for the Vodacom Cheetahs – how many games for the Cheetahs?
Played 49 games for the Cheetahs and 13 for the Super 14 side.
• What was your rugby highlight in South Africa?
Winning the Currie Cup at Loftus in 2005 was the obvious highlight for me!
• How many games have you played for Perpignan?
I have now played 54 games for USAP(Union Sportive Arlequins Perpignan)
• Rugby fans always debate the strength of French Top 14 v Currie Cup – and Heineken Cup v Super 14…what are your thoughts on this?
The Currie Cup is very close to a big match in the Top 14 against one of the big teams, but Heineken doesn’t come close to Super 14, normally very wet that time of year, i.e. very slow.
• Was it easy to adapt in France? What were the major challenges?
It’s pretty hard to adjust to the French way of living. Language is impossible to speak correctly. But if u come over with someone (wife, girlfriend) it’s cool cause u explore stuff together, see awesome places.
• What do you do when not playing rugby and training? Have you travelled a bit through Europe?
We do have a lot of weekends of and have travelled across Europe, we especially enjoy Italy and Spain.
• With which South African players in France do you have close contact with? Do you try to meet up with the other South Africans from time to time?
I see Gerrie Britz every day because we play together, and Ronnie Cooke and Darren Nel quite a bit cause they are near. Rest of the guys after games, once a year we have a “South African” weekend where all the guys come down and we play cricket against each other.
• Fullback or wing? What is your favourite position and why?
In France I’ve only played fullback cause they like to attack there from both sides of the ball, but in SA I liked wing cause u get involved often – here the wing stays wide.
• What is your rugby Highlight in France?
We won the Top 14 championship last season for the first time in 60 years! In front of 90 000 people at Stade de France in Paris!
• Which 4 nations do you see as semi-finalists for the World Cup next year?
The semi –finals will probably be SA, NZ, Aus and Ireland, maybe France if they beat NZ in the opener.
• Do you believe France has a strong chance or World Cup success?
Don’t think France will be Final contenders in New Zealand, but they’ll be up there.
• What would your advice be to young players?
Advice I would give is to just work hard at your game, hard work gets you much further than just talent!
• Have you started planning for a life after rugby? Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
Got a couple of years of rugby left in me…I’m sure something will come up!
Rugby15 would like to share this clip of Philip Burger in action!
Rugby15 would like to wish Philip Burger and his family all the best in France and is looking forward to his return to South Africa!
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