Former Springboks centre Andre Snyman’s wife has revealed that he underwent surgery earlier this week in the United States to have a brain tumour removed.

Snyman received a vestibular schwannoma – also known as an acoustic neuroma – diagnosis in October last year. That meant he had a tumour inside his ear canal which affects his brain and balance.

However, Snyman‘s wife, Phillipa, gave an update on the former Bok’s condition on his Facebook page and revealed that he underwent successful surgery in Colorado.

‘The procedure went very well’

“Andre Snyman 1 – Tumor 0. Surgery is complete,” she wrote on Tuesday. “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. I will be able to see him in about an hour. Can’t keep a good thing down! Bok power!”

Earlier, she also provided an update while the operation was underway.

“Andre has been in theater for 5.5 hours,” she wrote. “We are Standing Snyman Strong for Andre. We know the fight in him. You got this love! Today we pray!

“Thank you for the outpouring of support and love. We are so extremely grateful for every message and prayer.”

After being diagnosed with the tumour, a GoFundMe page was set up to assist Snyman and his family, covering medical as well as the non-medical challenges of his recovery and close to $50,000 has already been raised.

Initial surgery delayed

The 51-year-old was initially going to have his operation – which was an eight-hour procedure – at the end of January but the procedure was delayed after it was revealed on the GoFundMe page that “the neurosurgeon on the team had to have emergency abdominal surgery.”

Snyman made is debut for South Africa against New Zealand in 1996 and he played in 38 Tests for the Springboks with his last appearance made against Scotland in 2006.

He also shone for the Bulls (1995-1999) and Sharks (2000-2003) on the South African domestic scene before having stints with Leeds Tykes in England (2004-2006) and Perpignan in France (2006-2007).

Snyman is currently based in Colorado where he has had a successful coaching career.

During his time there he was part of professional outfit Glendale Raptors’ – now known as Colorado Raptors – coaching staff, and was working as the Valor Christian High School Rugby Club girls’ coach at the time of is diagnosis.

Snyman also previously coached at Hill House School in the United Kingdom.