Battered Jacques Burger bids to sign off in style

The unmistakable features of Jacques Burger will be seen in Saracens colours for the final time on Sunday when he faces Newcastle at Allianz Park.

The 32-year-old flanker’s face is hardly a selling point for the sport, but the scars are wounds the Namibia captain is proud to wear. He had nine major operations in six years at Saracens and keeps the six screws and a plate removed from his body in his kit bag.

Four years ago, he was told he would never play again after a sixth operation on his right knee, but his body cannot take any more punishment.

He will wave goodbye to the Sarries fans before starting his new life as a farmer back home.

And he could begin his new career having been part of a double-winning squad, with the Premiership champions top of the table and in the European Champions Cup Final against Racing 92 on May 14.