Cape Town - Former Springbok Thys Burger has defended himself against fraud claims, Eyewitness News reported on Wednesday.

Burger, who runs his own promotions company, was accused of auctioning Springbok memorabilia at fund-raising events but not paying over the proceeds.

He said he had paid most of the organisations owed money and was still finalising payments for the remaining two.

The former Springbok blamed cash flow problems, according to the radio station.

"There were people that owed me money in some cases. Promoters that do golf days; I sell the stuff and they send their invoices. People pay them, so there was a lot of money outstanding," he said.

Willem Grobler, a member of staff at Bryanston High School in Johannesburg, said Burger had told the school this before.

"He has all sorts of promises and stories that people have taken him for a ride, and now he’s without money so he cannot pay us and (said) that he would have to take bonds on his property."

Muldersdrift Business Women's Association member Laurice Matulovich said Burger had owed the association R35 000.

"He just ignored us, hoping we would disappear," Matulovich told the radio station.

The association and school have since been paid and Burger stated that he would settle the other outstanding debts.

Burger was capped three times for the Springboks at No 8, making his debut against the British and Irish Lions in Bloemfontein in 1980.

He is the father of former Cheetahs and Blitzbokke player, Phillip.