Derick Hougaard: His Springbok Test career by the numbers
· The South African
Former Springbok flyhalf Derick Hougaard has sparked widespread concern after an emotional social media post, widely interpreted as a public cry for help, went viral.
The post has once again shone a spotlight on the former Bulls star’s long battle with addiction, mental health challenges and the lasting effects of repeated head injuries.
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Affectionately known as the “Liefling van Loftus”, Hougaard earned eight Test caps for the Springboks and enjoyed a successful career with the Bulls before concussions cut short his time at the top level.
One of his most significant injuries came during the 2003 Rugby World Cup when he was knocked unconscious by Samoa’s Brian Lima.
After retiring in 2015, Hougaard revealed he had been diagnosed with permanent post-concussion syndrome and continued to suffer headaches and memory loss.
Battling depression
In recent years, he has spoken openly about battling depression and addiction to alcohol, sleeping tablets and pain medication.
In the 2023 documentary Hougaard: Liefling van Loftus, he admitted that life after rugby left a void he struggled to fill.
His health deteriorated further in 2023 when he was found unconscious at his Pretoria home and spent weeks in a medically induced coma after contracting respiratory pneumonia.
He later underwent treatment for prescription drug addiction.
Derick Hougaard’s personal life has also attracted headlines, including his high-profile divorce from singer Karlien van Jaarsveld, subsequent custody disputes and his later split from singer Nadine.
His latest social media post has prompted an outpouring of support from fans, many hoping the former rugby star receives the help he needs.
He remains one of South African rugby’s most gifted players of his generation, and his story continues to highlight the challenges many professional athletes face after retirement, particularly those living with the long-term effects of serious head injuries.
Derick Hougaard, now 43, played more than 110 matches for the Bulls in all competitions between 2002 and 2008, helping the Pretoria side win the 2007 Super 14 title.
He also enjoyed stints at Leicester Tigers and Saracens in England.
Derick Hougaard tried his hand in the NFL
He played eight Tests for the Springboks, making his debut against Uruguay in Perth during the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Hougaard played his final Test against the All Blacks in Christchurch in July 2007.
He scored 69 points for the Springboks thanks to two tries, 13 conversions, 10 penalties and one drop goal and was on the winning side in four of his Tests.
Since hanging up his boots, Hougaard has tried his hand at a career in the NFL and took part in a celebrity boxing match against South African musician Francois van Coke.
The South African website extends its thoughts and wishes to Derick Hougaard.