1
Hopeful update issued on ex-Bok flyhalf Hougaard
By Ian Cameron
Former Springbok rugby player Derick Hougaard has been discharged from the hospital after a three-week stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to respiratory pneumonia. However, reports indicate that he is still "extremely weak" and facing difficulties in holding conversations.
Hougaard's partner, Nádine, a popular Afrikaans singer, shared the news of his release from the hospital while admitting to concern over his current condition.
Nádine revealed to Rapport newspaper that while Hougaard is now at home, he remains weak and struggles with speaking due to swollen vocal cords.
The former Springbok flyhalf showed signs of progress when he opened his eyes and started communicating while recovering at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria last Thursday. However, his prolonged weakness indicates that his recovery process will require more time.
Hougaard represented the Bulls from 2002 to 2008, playing in over 100 matches. He also had stints with Leicester (2008-2009) and Saracens (2009-2012). During his career, he earned eight Test caps for the Springboks and was part of the 2003 World Cup squad that reached the quarter-finals.
Despite being at home, Hougaard continues to rely on medication and an oxygen machine to aid his recovery. Nádine emphasized that he will need to take it easy and remain on the oxygen machine for a few more weeks.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner
3
Let's be real about these All Blacks
4
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
5
Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
Go to comments