Former Springbok rugby player Derick Hougaard has reportedly been hospitalised after not waking for the past six days.

According to media reports, the 40-year-old spent the past week unconscious in intensive care in a Pretoria hospital.

Hougaard was last conscious on June 9 after reporting to be feeling nauseous that morning.

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Affectionately referred to as the “Liefling of Loftus” (Sweetheart of Loftus Versfeld Stadium), Hougaard played over 100 matches for the Bulls from 2002 – 2008.

Tributes have begun pouring in for the 2007 Super Rugby title winner including from renowned pop singer, Nadine.

“Thank you for every prayer and every person who speaks life over Derick,” Nadine said via Facebook.

“Six days now in the intensive care unit. This is very difficult. However, the doctors and nurses are wonderful and the Father is working through their hands.”

“I pray that his lungs will fulfil their purpose in creation again – to just breathe,” Nadine concluded.

Hougaard’s Springboks debut was at the 2003 Rugby World Cup and he earned eight caps over his international career.

Derick also played for Leicester Tigers and Saracens in England and even had a try in the NFL before retiring in 2012.

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