South Africa
Schalk Burger wins Laureus World Sports Award
ESPN Staff
April 16, 2015
Schalk Burger's comeback from illness and injury has inspired a nation © Getty Images
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Springboks veteran Schalk Burger has capped a remarkable two years by taking out the Laureus World Sports Award for Comeback of the Year.

Burger beat out five others to claim the honour, the bruising back-rower's return to Test rugby after a serious injury and illness making him a worthy winner of the prestigious award. The Stormers flanker spent 18 months on the sidelines before returning to the park in late 2013. Time in Japan and then last year's Super Rugby season saw him return to top form for which he was later rewarded with a Springboks' call-up on the end-of-year tour.

Thirty-two-year old Burger has been at his destructive best for the Stormers this season and was a key figure in the Cape Town-side's upset victory over NSW Waratahs at the weekend.

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South African Rugby Union chief executive Oregan Hoskins paid tribute to Burger's determination, saying the Springboks star had written one of the country's most inspirational stories of recent times.

"What Schalk has gone through in the last couple of years and what he has achieved makes it one of the most inspirational sporting stories in our recent history," Hoskins said.

"He has been an icon of inspiration and the fact that he always seems to have a smile on his face, makes it even more joyous to watch Schalk in action. On behalf of everyone in South African rugby, I would like to congratulate him on this amazing achievement but knowing Schalk, I know he will be itching to get back to Perth where the DHL Stormers are playing on Saturday."

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