Former Bok on the mend after surgery

02/21/2025 02:02 AM

Former Springbok Andre Snyman is in recovery following surgery in the US to remove a growth after being diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma.

Snyman, 50, had a tumour inside his ear canal, affecting his brain and balance. His wife Phillipa provided an update on the GoFundMe page set up in December to assist him and his family, covering medical and the non-medical challenges of his recovery.

"Delighted to share that Andre's surgery went very well and the surgeon was very pleased with the procedure [which was 7 hours long]," she wrote. "There were no surprises or concerns. 

"They were able to remove 90% of the tumor with the remaining 10% expected to remain as a layer on the nerve associated with the left hand side of his facial movement. 

"Andre will be carefully monitored in the months ahead to make sure the layer is not thickening and if there is a change, he will have gamma knife radiotherapy to terminate its growing ability.

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"Andre's first 24 hours were a little rough but he weathered it in true Andre Snyman style with sheer grit. Late yesterday, he was downgraded from the ICU and will be moved to a general ward today.

"His recovery will consist of balance therapy and occupational therapy and the surgeon is confident that Andre should be close to a full recovery within 6-8 weeks. Thank you all so much once again for all the support, generosity, outpouring of love and prayers. Our family is so very grateful and appreciative."

Snyman played 38 Tests between 1996 and 2006, and starred for the Vodacom Bulls and Sharks before moving overseas, where he helped Leeds Tykes win the 2005 Powergen Cup.

Post-retirement, he transitioned into coaching, spending most of his time in the US, where he currently coaches at Valor Christian High School.

Photo: ©Gallo Images

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