Former rugby player Derick Hougaard is currently fighting for his life in a Pretoria hospital after not waking up for six days. According to a report by Netwerk24, a source close to the situation revealed that Hougaard has been unconscious and in intensive care for the past week due to severe inflammation of his lungs. The 40-year-old former Springbok flyhalf was last conscious on the night of Friday, 9 June; he had reportedly been feeling nauseous earlier that day.
Hougaard is best known as the Liefling of Loftus for playing a crucial role in the Bulls rugby team during their golden era. Between 2002 and 2008, he made over 100 appearances for the Pretoria side in all competitions. Since then, he has tried his hand at a career in the NFL and even participated in a celebrity boxing match with rock musician Francois van Coke. He has also reportedly been working on a documentary that centred around his life.
Hougaard’s condition has left the rugby community in shock and fans all over the world are sending their well wishes to the former player and his family. Known for his tenacity and fighting spirit on the field, Hougaard’s supporters remain hopeful that he will pull through this latest challenge.
The news of Hougaard’s hospitalisation comes at a time when the Bulls are preparing for their Currie Cup semi-final against the Cheetahs. It is safe to say that the team will be going into the game with heavy hearts, as they hold Hougaard in high regard for his contributions to the sport and to their team.
