Richard Wigglesworth: Schalk Burger can be fantastic, like John Smit

Schalk Burger will be a huge hit at Saracens and a positive influence on the young forwards at the club according to Richard Wigglesworth.
Flanker Burger, 32, signed on a two-year contract under the marquee player initiative, will arrive at Allianz Park in the summer once he finishes his spells with Japanese outfit Suntory Sungoliath and Super Rugby side Stormers.
Wigglesworth said of the 2007 World Cup winner: “Schalk is a player others look up to because of what he has achieved in the game and his status.
“He was probably South Africa‘s best player in the World Cup last year. It will be good to have his ideas and thoughts on how we should move forward as a team.
“We had another South African great John Smit here who was fantastic to have around, especially with his calming influence on the younger forwards at the club.
“Schalk coming here can be just as positive with his mixture of performance on the field and lifestyle off it.
“We have not made many squad changes recently but bringing in someone of his skill and experience can only strengthen us.”
Wigglesworth wants one more crack at a World Cup and admits he will be “disappointed” if he is dumped by England because of his age. He will be 36 by the time of Japan 2019, but hopes Eddie Jones will pick players on form alone.
Jones names his Elite Training Squad on Wednesday with anticipation that he will bring in new blood.
But scrum-half Wigglesworth said: “If it comes down to an age thing I would be disappointed because I don’t think that should come into it at all.
“For me it’s about keeping as fit as I can and playing as well as possible. And I will fight tooth and nail to keep improving myself.
“I will never feel that I have finished, and I am mad keen to carry on playing for Sarries and England.
“I want to be in the mix for the Six Nations and even if they close the door on me it would still not stop me to want to be a better player. I’ve heard people say that it represents a fresh start for everyone but that’s just rubbish.
“I don’t buy into that thought at all.
“For me, it’s just the same as before where you have to keep playing well and stick your hand up for selection. Nothing has changed in that respect.
“Whether it is a new coaching set-up or the old one, I would still be just as determined to get a chance.
“Eddie had left Sarries before I arrived here so I’ve no preconceived ideas of what he wants.
“But he’s clearly a very experience international head coach who knows his rugby so I can only hope I will be a part of his plans. He will have his own ideas of the team set-up etc so let’s just wait and see.”
England’s World Cup failure still haunts Wigglesworth. He said: “For me what happened will live with me forever. There will always be regrets.
“But you can’t dwell on things in this game. You have to look forward and aim to have future success to enjoy. Plus you can try to put a positive spin on the disappointments and use them as motivation.
“It helped coming back to a brilliant club like Sarries who gave me plenty of time off and time to get my head straight. But I would be a poor professional if I let it just be about England.”