UPDATE: Derick Hougaard at home, but ‘extremely weak’

At the end of last month it was confirmed that Derick Hougaard had come out of a coma and was responding positively to medical personnel and treatment.

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The former Springbok had been in a coma for over 10 days due to a respiratory condition, and some reports suggested at the time that he had a 50-50 chance of waking up.

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However, the good news is that he subsequently showed some encouraging signs of recovery, and he is fact now out of hospital and at home.

“I can’t believe it, it’s been very rough,” his partner Nádine told Rapport newspaper.

“He is not out and about, but he is at home. He is, at the moment, extremely weak and can’t really hold a conversation, as his vocal cords are still swollen.”

Hougaard is set for a lengthy recovery as he must remain on an oxygen machine for a few more weeks.

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DERICK HOUGAARD WAS A COLOURFUL CHARACTER ON AND OFF THE FIELD

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.

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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.

He has also reportedly been working on a documentary on his life.

The South African website extends its thoughts and wishes to Hougaard.