Update on Springbok battling brain tumour
Yesterday at 08:32 AM
Andre Snyman is one of the most well-known Springboks from the post-isolation era, having featured in 38 Tests between 1996 and 2006, while he also had memorable domestic careers with the Bulls and Sharks.
After retiring from rugby in 2007, Snyman soon moved into a successful coaching career in the United States, primarily at various levels in the Greater Denver area, while he also previously spent time coaching at Hill House School in the UK.
In shocking news that came to light towards the end of last year, though, it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, which is a tumour that grows inside the ear canal and affects the brain.
However, in a positive update provided by his wife, Phillipa, she revealed that he underwent successful surgery in Colorado on Tuesday.
"Andre Snyman 1 – Tumor 0. Surgery is complete," she wrote on a Facebook page after the operation that lasted several hours. "Just met with surgeon and the procedure went very well with no surprises or concerns. Andre did great, he said.
"Recovery expected to be 6-8 weeks… Can't keep a good thing down! Bok power! Thank you for the outpouring of support and love. We are so extremely grateful for every message and prayer."
Last year, a fundraising page was set up via GoFundMe i, support of Snyman, which to date has nearly raised $50,000 (R920,000).
"On October 18, 2024, former South African Springbok rugby player and current Valor Christian High School Rugby Club girls coach, Andre Snyman, was diagnosed with a vestibular schwannoma (otherwise known as an acoustic neuroma),” the fundraiser page explained.
"The side effects have been debilitating for Andre, and he is no longer able to drive or move without concern due to his balance being impacted.
"While the recovery time is expected to be three months post-surgery, there are immediate challenges that Andre and his family are navigating – both medical and non-medical.
"To help alleviate the added pressure of this unexpected health crisis that Andre finds himself in, I have created this GoFundMe so that friends, members of the rugby community, colleagues, and those who feel so inclined are able to aid in his immediate time of need and post-surgery recovery."
You can see a wonderful interview with former Springbok Andre Snyman below:
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