Springbok rugby player, Schalk Burger is born in Port Elizabeth

Schalk Willen Petrus Burger Jnr. was named after his father who was also a rugby player. As a child he was very successful in various sports codes. He plays the forward position for the Western Province and Stormers teams. Burger was selected for the Springbok squad in 2003 and made his debut against Georgia in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Burger is considered to be one of the most hardworking players in South Africa. In 2004 Burger won two awards; the IRB International Player of the Year awardand the ABSA SA Rugby Player of the Year award. Schalk has been plagued by injuries and illness. In 2013 it was reported that he contracted Bacterial Meningitis while undergoing calf surgery after he was injured in 2012. He is currently recuperating.