Ethan Burger’s outstanding display against Springbok tighthead Thomas du Toit has reportedly thrust the former Tuks prop into contention for England selection.
The 26-year-old Exeter Chiefs loosehead enhanced his growing reputation in last weekend’s 27-26 English Premiership semi-final victory over Bath, where he held his own against one of the world’s premier scrummagers and scored what proved to be the match-winning try.
According to the Daily Mail, Burger is now firmly on England coach Steve Borthwick’s radar. He qualifies for England through his Leicester-born grandfather.
For Burger, the occasion carried extra significance given his admiration for Du Toit.
“He’s a Springbok and a player I loved to watch as a kid. I grew up a Sharks fan. So I always looked up to Thomas,” Burger told Rapport.
“I have a lot of respect for him and I believe in giving him the respect he deserves. I just focused on keeping my head down and doing the best job I could.
“Before the first scrum, we gave each other a wink and a nod. Then we both just started working.”
Burger’s try helped Exeter secure a place in the Premiership final, which they lost 26-17 to the Northampton Saints at Twickenham on Saturday.
REPORT: JJ strikes Premiership gold
“The feeling was unreal. To be able to score my first try for the Chiefs in the semi-final was an incredible experience,” he said. “It’s something you dream about as a kid.”
A former SACS pupil, Burger came through the Bulls’ junior structures before representing Tuks in the Varsity Cup.
He moved to England after the 2024 Varsity Cup campaign, initially spending time on loan at Plymouth Albion before breaking into the Exeter squad this season.
ALSO: Daan’s torture chamber wins over Sadie
“I decided to play my rugby abroad because it was my best option after the Varsity Cup,” he said. “I had one or two offers in South Africa, but it was an easy decision for me to join a Premiership team.
“You never know when an opportunity like this is going to come along, and when it does, it’s very hard to let it pass.”
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post England eye Saffa prop appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.