Derick Hougaard: Former Springboks Star’s Mother Slams Trolls Mocking Her Son’s Downfall
- Riana Hougaard responded to a scathing comment directed at her son on his Facebook page, calling the remarks shocking
- Derick Hougaard, the former Springbok flyhalf, has faced years of personal setbacks, including substance addiction and health crises
- A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the 43-year-old cover basic living expenses amid his ongoing difficulties
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The mother of retired Springbok flyhalf Derick Hougaard has publicly confronted online trolls who have used her son's well-documented struggles as fodder for mockery.
Source: Getty Images
Riana Hougaard stepped in after a particularly vicious comment appeared beneath one of Derick's recent Facebook posts, in which the 43-year-old endorsed a business and events listing app called Wha2do, developed by Limpopo businessman Lesley Barnand.
One commenter wrote: "He can't even look at himself at his age; what else to say about an app. As soon as the first penny drops it's straight to the bottle storage."
Riana responded directly to the comment, writing: "I pray for your heart." She went on to say: "Prayer carries power; we see it every day. The comments are shocking; they really reveal the state of people's hearts."
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She also described herself as "exhausted" by the ongoing social media attention, while expressing gratitude to those who had offered genuine support to her son, adding: "Appreciate all of you."
Hougaard's health crisis and past struggles
The former Bulls star, once known affectionately as the "Liefling van Loftus," has endured a difficult few years marked by substance addiction, failed relationships, and serious health scares. A GoFundMe campaign has recently been established to assist him with everyday living costs.
This is not the first time Riana has spoken out publicly about her son's condition. In 2023, following Derick's discharge from hospital after a life-threatening episode, she reposted a Facebook video from Afrikaans singer Chris Else, who had dedicated a song to him.
At the time, she wrote: "God's grace is great. So much power in prayer. Thank you again for your prayers and care, and love in this difficult time."
Riana Hougaard appeals for support
Riana Hougaard also appealed for continued support: "Please continue to pray for full recovery, strength, and for his mind. God carries us every day."
That hospitalisation followed a frightening incident in which Derick was discovered unresponsive at his Pretoria home by his then partner, singer Nadine.
She reportedly found him suffocating, and he was transported to Steve Biko Academic Hospital, where he spent three weeks in a coma before regaining consciousness. Doctors diagnosed him with aspirational pneumonia, a condition caused when foreign matter such as saliva, food, liquid, or vomit enters the lungs.
Speaking on Jacaranda FM's Martin Bester show, Nadine stated that no alcohol or drugs were detected in Derick's system and maintained that he was neither suicidal nor had he overdosed.
Derick Hougaard's rugby career and health battles
Briefly News previously reported that concern grew after former Springbok Derick Hougaard shared a cryptic Facebook message saying only "a miracle" could help him.
The former flyhalf enjoyed a glittering career, rising to fame with the Blue Bulls before earning eight Test caps for the Springboks and helping the Bulls lift their first Super Rugby title in 2007.
However, injuries brought his playing career to an early end in 2015.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
