Thys Burger

Matthys Boshoff 'Thys' Burger (born 3 Augustus 1954 in Pietersburg, Limpopo, South Africa) is a former South African rugby union player.

Playing career Burger played for Northern Transvaal and made his provincial debut in 1976. Burger's first test for the Springboks was on 14 June 1980 in the second test against the touring British Lions team at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, when he replaced Rob Louw late in the second half. He also toured with the Springboks to South America, where he made his first start in a test, as eighthman during the test in Montevideo. He scored his first test try in this match.

Burger was part of the squad that toured to New Zealand and the United States in 1981. He played in the test against the USA, once again as a replacement, this time for Theuns Stofberg and he also scored his second test try in this match.

Test history

No. Opposition Result (SA 1st) Position Tries Date Venue1. 26–19 Replacement 14 June 1980 Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein2. 24px South American Jaguars 22–13 Number 8 1 18 October 1980 Wanderers Club, Montevideo 3. 38–7 Replacement 1 20 September 1981 Owl Creek Polo ground, Glenville, New York

Personal

Burger is the father of Philip Burger, a former professional rugby player and South African sevens (Blitzboks) player. His granddaughter Rume Burger is a South African national sprint champion.