Belgium international Bruno Vliegen severely burned in accident

Belgian international Bruno Vliegen has suffered a serious accident that has left him with burns covering 37 per cent of his body, and the Belgian community has launched an appeal to help cover the costs of his medical treatment.

According to Nicolas Gigot, a close friend of Vliegen who shared an update on the Leetchi fundraising platform, he is currently hospitalised at the Grand Hôpital de Charleroi and receiving treatment for severe burns covering 37 per cent of his body.

“The coming weeks and months will be extremely trying: surgical interventions, transplants, intensive care, daily treatments, rehabilitation, not to mention the numerous consequences for his family and professional life.”

While the full details haven’t been disclosed, Vliegen is currently in stable condition. However, his recovery is expected to be lengthy, and his professional playing career is currently on hold.

Vliegen, who previously represented ASM Clermont Auvergne and US Carcassonne, has been a regular member of the Belgian national team and was part of the squad’s efforts to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The soon-to-be 25-year-old started his rugby career at Standard Chaudfontaine and eventually made his international debut for the Diables Noirs in 2019. Having amassed more than 20 caps, Vliegen has been one of the faces of the new generation of Belgian players targeting qualification for a future World Cup.

The prop joined Olympique Marcquois Rugby in 2022 and has been a loyal servant of the Nationale side, recently helping the club to avoid relegation for a third year in a row.

However, at this stage, rugby is no longer the main focus for Bruno Vliegen, as his priority is working towards recovery and returning to a normal life with his family.

You can access Vliegen’s Leetchi profile through the following link, and all help is welcome, as mentioned by his friends and family: https://shorturl.at/OUYW5