Bok fights for his life in ICU

NEWS: Former Springbok flyhalf Derick Hougaard has been in a coma for a week, his former girlfriend confirmed.

Well-known South African singer Nádine Hoffeldt took to social media to reveal that the Bok had been in a coma for a week.

In a very heartfelt post, Hoffeldt thanked family and friends for their prayers.

On Friday, news broke that Hougaard has been in a coma in a Pretoria hospital since last week.

Various media reports revealed that Hougaard has inflammation of the lungs, having first felt nauseous last Friday, June 9.

The 40-year-old Bulls legend was taken to the hospital the following day and has been in intensive care.

Hougaard made more than 100 appearances for the Bulls in all competitions between 2002 and 2008 and was dubbed the “Liefling of Loftus” for his crucial role in a golden era for the Pretoria side.

He also had stints with Premiership clubs Leicester Tigers and Saracens in England.

The 40-year-old has played eight Tests for the Springboks and was part of the 2003 World Cup.

Since retiring from rugby, Hougaard has tried his hand at a career in the NFL and has also reportedly been working on a documentary on his life.