Former Springbok Tinus Linee, who suffers from Motor Neuron Disease, is in a better condition in hospital after suffering a setback last week.
The 44-year-old former Western Province centre is communicating via hand signals and a chalkboard to nurses at his assistance.
Sport24
Linee’s wife, Diana, said the nurses understand his hand signals. When they’re unsure what he means, they’ll write on the board with Linee signalling with his head or hand in response.
Linee was admitted to hospital last week after struggling with his breathing.
Diana said doctors put a tube in his throat to assist him.
She hopes he could return home by next week.
“By that time I hope the medical aid has approved the payment for a hospital bed and a ventilator,” she said.
Linee, who was diagnosed with the disease last year, played 112 matches for Western Province between 1992 and 2001.
He made his Springbok debut in 1993 – at the age of 23 – and went on to play nine tour matches for his country in Australia, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.