Share

Hougaard scans reveal good news

Cape Town - Brain scans done on Derick Hougaard have revealed good news for the former Springbok and Bulls flyhalf.

The former star No 10 underwent tests in a Johannesburg hospital last week after he complained he was forgetting things, as well as suffering from headaches.

In an interview with Netwerk24, he quipped more tests were done on him than “Richie McCaw played Tests for the All Blacks”.

“Luckily, it was all good news. It showed there was minor damage and confirmed I have problems with my short-term memory, but in time it could recover 100%,” said Hougaard.

“Luckily my condition was diagnosed soon enough and I can control it with medication. Indications are that the damage is not permanent and it should not influence my quality of life going forward.”

Apart from the medication, Hougaard will do brain exercises as well as alter his lifestyle a bit.

Hougaard said he still harboured hopes of playing rugby after an Achilles injury cut short his career in 2012.

“It always felt as if I never properly said farewell to rugby. I actually never retired… until last week, when I realised in the hospital that it was the end of ‘Liefling’ (his nickname among Bulls fans).

“It was the Lord’s way of telling me that I should let it go.”

Hougaard, 32, played eight Tests for the Springboks between 2003 and 2007. He also played for Leicester Tigers and Saracens in England and is nowadays a commentator and pundit for pay-channel, SuperSport.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE