Thursday Afternoon Round Up

Jacques Burger to retire

The 32-year-old has confirmed that he will retire from rugby after this weekend’s Premiership match.

“Sunday will be the end of something really special for me. Going into the game knowing that it’s the last time I’ll ever run out on a rugby field is actually quite a nice feeling, as in this game you don’t get to do that very often. I just want to make it an incredible experience, and I hope it’s just a great occasion and that the boys do well on the day as well.”

“It is sad that it’s coming to an end but I’ve said this before, playing rugby is something that I have really loved doing. Growing up as a child I wanted to be a professional rugby player, and I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to live that dream. It’s been an amazing journey. I’ve loved every minute at Saracens, as it’s been like home from minute one. It has been an incredible ride.”

Burger will end his career on 114 appearances for Saracens and 41 caps for Namibia.

Harry Robinson retires at 23



Welsh international Harry Robinson has been forced to retire at the age of 23 due to a neck injury.

The 23-year-old has followed doctor's orders and decided to call it a day after a long battle to fully recover following his major neck surgery from last season.

He required the significant neck surgery and managed to get back onto the field this term, but has now opted to hang up his boots with immediate effect.

"Regretfully, I have to announce my retirement from rugby. Thanks to everyone who's supported along the way," Robinson posted on his Twitter account along with an attachment of his heart-felt full statement:

"I never thought I would be in this position at the age of 23 - having to call an end on my professional rugby career at such an early age. I am utterly devastated and it is a very, very bitter pill to have to swallow," part of his statement read.

Scarlets General Manager of Rugby Jon Daniels, said: “It is with great sadness that we as a region have to confirm Harry’s retirement from rugby. He’s a talented young player who had a bright rugby future ahead of him."

Robinson bows down with three caps for Cardiff Blues, and 30 caps for Scarlets.

Hatley to join England



England Rugby has today announced that Neal Hatley has agreed to join Eddie Jones’ coaching staff as scrum coach at the end of the 2015/16 season.

Hatley joins the England setup from Bath Rugby where he has been working as scrum and defence coach since 2012.

“This is a very exciting time to be joining the England setup,” said Hatley.

“There is an enormous amount of talent in English rugby and I can’t wait to get started.”

Commenting on the appointment, England Head Coach Eddie Jones said, “We’re delighted to have brought Neal into the coaching team. Successful English rugby teams have always had strong, powerful, dominant scrums so this is an important appointment."

Co-captains back for Stormers



Co-captains Juan de Jongh and Frans Malherbe both return for the Super Rugby match against the Waratahs at Newlands on Saturday.

De Jongh takes his place at outside centre after missing the side's victory over the Reds last weekend with a concussion, while Malherbe returns at tighthead prop after being ruled out last week due to illness.

"We are determined to keep on progressing along the path we have embarked on this season, and the Waratahs will provide another serious challenge this weekend," said Stormers head coach, Robbie Fleck.