Photo Credit: Gallo Images
The Tafel Lager Griquas announced the departure of Izak Burger who is leaving the union to join the Bulls with immediate effect.
Izak, commonly known by his teammates as ‘Zak’ joined Tafel Lager Griquas in 2018 from The Sharks and represented the team on 30 occasions. During his time in Kimberley Zak enjoyed great success with the team winning the Super Sport Rugby Challenge in 2019. He also played a pivotal role in helping the team reach the semi-final of the Premier Division Currie Cup for the first time in 21 years.
Zak’s consistency on the playing field and professionalism off it eventually led to him being selected as captain for the Super Rugby Unlocked and 2020 Premier Division Currie Cup competitions, respectively.
Although the team endured a testing 2020 season, Zak’s performances were always a massive positive; his ability to read the game, his incisive line breaks and level of calmness elevated him amongst his peers, steering the Griquas into close contention in a number of their matches.
It is these attributes and performances that have made him catch the eye of the Currie Cup winners, the Bulls. Tafel Lager Griquas Head Coach, Scott Mathie has a ‘bittersweet’ feeling seeing a player of Zak’s ability and raw talent leave Kimberley. The former scrumhalf and now turned coach was able to guide Zak’s progression in his specialized position to earn a call up to higher honours.
“Obviously having a player of Zak’s calibre leave us is not ideal but we at Tafel Lager Griquas pride ourselves in giving players opportunities when they present themselves and we believe Zak has the talent and right mindset to become a Springbok in the near future. His leadership qualities will also be missed, and he is a great man to have in any rugby setup and culture. He will definitely be missed by his teammates and the rest of the management, but we really do wish him all the best. He deserves everything good that comes his way.” said Mathie.
Tafel Lager Griquas CEO, Mr Arni van Rooyen had the following to say:
“Yes, it is sad to see Zak go. Not just as a rugby player but he is a good young man with impeccable values who everybody really liked at the union, but his talent is undeniable, and we will not stand in his way to reach higher honors. Maybe even the highest. It is also good to know that we as a rugby union can still produce such remarkable rugby players and we thank Zak for his services to Tafel Lager Griquas.”