Rugby Union News
Burger: I'm no rugby thug
South Africa forward Schalk Burger insists he is 'not a thug' following the eye-gouging incident which has led to a lengthy ban.Flanker Burger will miss the next eight weeks - including Saturday's final Test against the British & Irish Lions - after being found guilty of making contact with the eyes of Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald during last weekend's second encounter.
Burger has been at the centre of a media storm since the incident in Pretoria, but the player himself insists he is not dirty.
However, he has stopped short of issuing an apology to Fitzgerald.
"As a proud South African and Springbok rugby player, I only have the utmost respect for the traditions of the wonderful game of rugby," he said.
"Through my life and career I have always approached the game with the intention only of playing it hard and fair.
"I am not a rugby thug and will never intentionally engage in eye-gouging or similar illegal actions. This was also the case in the second Test against the Lions.
"I am therefore grateful that the judicial officer confirmed my stance with his conclusion that there was no deliberate eye-gouging as charged by the citing official.
"I will always play the game as hard as possible within the rules.
"I apologise to my supporters and fellow team-mates for the fact that I have been absent for the first 10 minutes of the second Test. I look forward to returning with zest in due course."