Andre Snyman in fight against brain tumour

A fundraising page has been set up for former Springbok Andre Snyman who has been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, which is a tumour that grows inside the ear canal and affects the brain.

Snyman discovered he had the tumour, which impairs his balance and ability to lead a normal life, in October and is due to undergo surgery in mid-January, to hopefully remove it.

While the recovery time is expected to be three months post-surgery, there are immediate challenges that Snyman and his family are navigating – both medical and non-medical – from this unexpected health crisis.

The former Springbok has spent the majority of his time since he retired from playing living in America, coaching rugby at various levels in the Greater Denver area.

Snyman won 38 caps for South Africa over 10 years from 1996 to 2006 and was a member of the Nick Mallett-coached team that reeled off 17 Test wins in a row, as well as being an ever-present in the 1997 series against the British & Irish Lions.

The 50-year-old played for the Blue Bulls and Sharks in South Africa and also spent time playing and coaching in England, notably at Leeds Tykes, where he helped the club win the Powergen Cup in 2005 with an intercept try in the final against Bath.