The treble is well and truly on for Saracens and while some onlookers might think they have bigger fish to fry, Schalk Burger insists the Anglo-Welsh Cup is high on their list of priorities.

Last season was one to remember for Saracens fans as they not only defended their Aviva Premiership Rugby crown but also lifted their first European title thanks to a 21-9 Champions Cup final victory over Racing 92.

And this campaign looks just as fruitful as they currently sit just behind Wasps in the Aviva Premiership Rugby table, while in April they host Glasgow Warriors in their Champions Cup quarter-final.

In addition, Saracens’ fledgling stars have been flexing their muscles, with Mark McCall’s men topping their Anglo-Welsh Cup pool and setting up a home semi-final with Leicester Tigers next month.

And with Saracens being the defending champions in that competition too – having lifted the trophy in 2015 and last season’s competition not taking place due to the Rugby World Cup – flanker Burger is just as desperate to see his club keep hold of that trophy as well.

“It’s good for the squad, we all train together and it gives some great chances for other players,” the 33-year-old South African said.

“Will Fraser was out for a long time and for him to come through in time for this competition is fantastic.

“For the team, it’s nice for everyone to get a run-out. The toughest thing is for the guys who are on the fringe to get some game-time, this gives them a  massive chance to play rugby.

“Ninety per cent of the players I know love matches and not so much like the training, and the stronger a team we can get in terms of depth then the stronger we can be.

“That’s not just for now, we want to be building up our strength and showing what we can do over time.”

Burger was speaking at the launch of this year’s Aviva #DriveSafer campaign alongside team-mates Schalk Brits and Richard Wigglesworth. 

As part of the campaign, Aviva and all 12 Premiership Rugby clubs are highlighting the dangers of dangerous driving caused by distractions, with a particular focus on the use of mobile phones.

And Burger was more than happy to lend his support to the campaign.

“It’s important to raise that awareness, especially if it comes from rugby players who have families and do spend a lot of time on the road going to and from games and training sessions,” he added.

“The safer it is, the better. We’ve all bought into it, there are a lot of people who are guilty of using their mobile phones when they shouldn’t and it’s probably the biggest thing that has changed in modern driving.

“You need to pay full attention, and you’re not only risking yourself but you are putting the lives of other people in danger. It’s a great initiative by Aviva.”

Burger missed out on Saracens’ double-winning celebrations last season as he was playing his club rugby in Japan for Suntory Sungoliath.

But the 2007 Rugby World Cup champion admits the South African influence running through the club has helped him quickly find his feet at Saracens having arrived in the summer.

Burger said: “It was easy for me to settle in, we’ve got a great bunch of boys and coaches and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying it.

“The team has had a tremendous amount of success over the past 18 months or so, so long may that continue.

“The culture of the squad gets carried though – you know where you stand and what’s right and wrong and that helps us replicate performances.

“There has been a big South African influence here, they’ve always wanted me over and this year I felt I’d gone as far as I could there, with Super 8 and international.”

Saracens are proud to support Aviva, title sponsor of Premiership Rugby, on their #DriveSafer campaign and help raise awareness of dangerous driving. Download the Aviva Drive app to see how safe your driving is at www.aviva.co.uk/car-insurance/drive