Derick Hougaard: Crowdfunding drive launched to support former Bulls and Springboks fly-half in financial crisis

A crowdfunding campaign has been set up to support former Bulls and Springboks fly-half Derick Hougaard, after the Loftus Versfeld favourite revealed he is in serious financial difficulty following years of illness and recovery.

Springbok supporter Lizelle Gers created a GoFundMe page titled “Together for Derick Hougaard” after the ex-international openly admitted on social media that he was in “big trouble”.

The campaign is listed under the “rent, food and monthly bills” category and is intended to help the former No 10 cover unpaid expenses that built up during a prolonged period in and out of hospital, rehabilitation and recovery, during which he has been largely unable to work.

On 28 July 2026, Hougaard shared a link to the fundraiser on his own social media accounts, adding the message: “Every little bit helps.”

Once a Loftus icon

Hougaard, whose powerful kicking game and natural flair made him one of the standout fly-halves of his era, became a cult hero at Loftus Versfeld during the Bulls’ most successful period and was affectionately known as the Liefling van Loftus.

He went on to represent the Springboks and became one of the most recognisable South African players of his generation.

His career, however, was cut short in 2015 when a succession of head injuries forced him to retire at the age of 32, bringing to an abrupt end a professional journey that many expected to last several more years at the top level.

Post-retirement struggles

After hanging up his boots, Hougaard moved into broadcasting as a rugby commentator with SuperSport. His stint there ended in 2017 when he was dismissed following controversial remarks about transformation in South African rugby.

He later started his own private rugby school, specialising in kicking, in an effort to remain involved in the sport and pass on his technical expertise to young players.

In 2023, Hougaard’s health deteriorated dramatically. He spent several weeks in a coma after contracting respiratory pneumonia, a life-threatening condition that required intensive medical care. He also underwent treatment in a psychiatric facility for addiction to prescription medication, a problem that has affected a number of former elite sportsmen.

The prolonged medical treatment, psychiatric care and rehabilitation – combined with extended periods during which he was unable to earn a regular income – led to mounting bills and a financial situation that became increasingly unsustainable.

Hougaard has said he has deliberately kept a low public profile over the past two years in an attempt to safeguard his privacy while dealing with his health issues and recovery.

Appeal to rugby community

Gers’ GoFundMe initiative calls on the South African rugby community, as well as supporters around the world, to rally behind the former Springbok.

“He has recently reached out for help, and I believe this is our opportunity to stand behind someone who once gave so much to South African rugby,” Gers wrote on the fundraising page.

“If each of us contributes just a little, together we can make a meaningful difference. No donation is too small. Whether you’re in South Africa or anywhere else in the world, let’s show Derick that he is not alone and that the rugby community and South Africans never forget those who have proudly represented us.

“Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. If you’re unable to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser with your family and friends is another powerful way to help. Together, we can show Derick Hougaard that he’s not facing this journey alone.”

The campaign positions itself as a chance for supporters to give something back to a player whose performances for the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld and for the Springboks made him one of the most popular fly-halves of his time.