Derick Hougaard: Latest Update on GoFundMe Campaign Raising Funds for Retired Springboks Star
- A GoFundMe campaign for retired Springbok Derick Hougaard has raised nearly 90% of its AUD $3,000 target
- The 43-year-old ex-Springbok made headlines last month after publicly admitting he was in serious financial trouble
- Hougaard has faced years of personal setbacks since retiring in 2015, including addiction and health issues
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A crowdfunding campaign set up in support of retired Springbok flyhalf Derick Hougaard is close to reaching its fundraising goal, weeks after the 43-year-old went public about his financial difficulties.
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The GoFundMe campaign, titled “Together for Derick Hougaard,” was started by Lizelle Gers, a South African Springbok supporter currently based in Australia.
Latest update on Hougaard's GoFundMe campaign
According to the latest update, the fundraiser has raised AUD $2,667 (around R31,000) from 39 donors worldwide. That puts the campaign at approximately 90% of its revised AUD $3,000 (R34,000) goal. The fundraiser initially had an automated target of AUD $28,000 (about R321,000) before the goal was adjusted.
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In the campaign message, Gers urged supporters to contribute whatever they could, stressing that even small donations could collectively make a significant impact.
She called on people in South Africa and around the world to support Hougaard and remind him that he is not alone, while highlighting the rugby community’s appreciation for those who have proudly represented the country.
Hougaard's life after rugby
Hougaard ended his professional rugby career in 2015 after a spell heavily affected by recurring injuries, particularly concussions, which he has previously said brought his playing career to an early end. He later turned to coaching and sports broadcasting, joining SuperSport before his stint with the network came to an end following controversial comments about transformation in South African rugby.
In 2020, Hougaard revealed his plans to explore a move into American football. He intended to attend a World Wide Scholarships talent identification camp in South Africa as he looked to switch from rugby fly-half to an NFL kicker or punter. At the time, he described the opportunity as his chance at a second sporting career and believed he could remain competitive for another five years. However, the move to the NFL never came to fruition.
Hougaard's struggles continued in the years that followed, as he battled alcohol and prescription medication dependence. A health crisis in 2023 brought further medical and rehabilitation expenses, adding to his financial difficulties. That year also saw the release of a kykNET documentary and a biography detailing his battles with mental health, physical illness, substance abuse and challenges in his personal life.
Last month, Hougaard openly revealed that he was facing serious financial difficulties, prompting an overwhelming response from fans and former rugby supporters, many of whom have since rallied behind a fundraising campaign to help him.
Hougaard's rugby career and health battles
Briefly News also reported that concern grew after 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.
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Source: Briefly News
