[imagesource:twitter/@derickhougaard]

Former Springbok and Bulls flyhalf Derrick Hougaard has been in a coma for a week now, with doctors saying he has a 50% chance of waking up.

Hougaard reportedly lost consciousness on Friday, June 9, after reporting feeling nauseous in the morning. He has been in intensive care ever since falling into unconsciousness that afternoon.

According to reports, he was found unresponsive by his girlfriend, South African singer Nadine, who called for medical assistance after seeing his hands had turned blue. It took medical personnel an hour and a half to stabilise the former Springbok for transport to the hospital.

He is being treated for severe inflammation of his lungs, according to his family. Doctors are giving him a 50% chance of survival, with only family members allowed to visit him.

“He has not been awake since then and is on a ventilator because his lungs are not working properly. It is obviously traumatic for everyone who goes to visit him to see him with so many pipes in his body and to know that he is fighting for his life.”

A toxicology report will be made available soon, giving clues as to what has happened to the 40-year-old.

Hougaard, now 40, played more than 110 matches for the Bulls in all competitions between 2002 and 2008, helping the Pretoria side win the 2007 Super 14 title.

He also enjoyed stints at Leicester Tigers and Saracens in England.

[source:iol&sapeople]