Derick Hougaard starts new hustle after GoFundMe backlash

Former Springbok Derick Hougaard has revealed a new business venture in the wake of backlash against a GoFundMe campaign, that appealed for public donations.

The retired rugby player has made headlines in recent weeks after claiming to be in “big trouble”

Derick – once known as the “Liefling van Loftus” – hung up his boots in 2015 amid a series of health concerns. Since then, he has made headlines over his personal life.

DERICK HOUGAARD LAUNCHES NEW BUSINESS VENTURE

On his Facebook account Derick Hougaard shared a post about his new side hustle, endorsing a new business directory app, called Wha2do.

The start-up app was created by Limpopo businessman, Lesley Bernard, who encouraged South Africans to support the rugby player’s new gig.

“Today, there is a new way for Derick to live out his love for South Africa,” an excerpt on the business read.

In recent months, Derick Hougaard has also shared his expertise as a coach on several  rugby coaching programmes.

FINDING HIS FEET ATFTER RUGBY

Derick Hougaard has previously spoken about hos his rugby career was “cut short” following a series of injuries, particularly concussions

The flyhalf transitioned into rugby coaching and sports commentary as many former players do.

However, his gig as a SuperSport commentator was terminated over his controversial comments about trasnformation in rugby.

In 2020, Derick Hougaard shared his plan to get into the NFL league in the US.

He stated that would attend the World Wide Scholarships (WWS) talent scouting camp in South Africa in the hopes of transitioning from converting from rugby flyhalf to an American-football kicker/punter.

“All athletes dream of a second chance and this is mine”, he said at the time.

He added: “I still have five years left in me.”

A year later, his dream appeared to have fizzled out.

Over the next few years, Derick confused to battling an addiction to booze and prescription pills.

After a 2023 health scare, Derick’s medical and rehabilitation bills likely started accumulating, possibly in addition to his inability to work.

His life’s story, including his struggles with mental and physical health, financial setbacks, susbtance abuse, and failed relationships, weres told via a kykNET documentary and biography that both came out in 2023.