In 1973 het represented the Western Province schools rugby team at the Craven Week tournament.
He made his senior provincial debut in 1974 for North Western Cape and in 1975 he enrolled at the University of Stellenbosch for a BCom degree, representing the Maties on the rugby field.
During the period 1979 to 1983, Burger played 72 matches for Eastern Province, including 40 as captain.
[2] Burger made his test match debut for the Springboks against the visiting England team on 2 June 1984 in Port Elizabeth.
Burger was one of the five nominees for 1985 SA Rugby player of the Year award.