Belgian prop Bruno Vliegen fighting for recovery after severe burns cover 37 per cent of his body

Bruno Vliegen, a Belgium international prop with over 20 caps, is receiving treatment for severe burns covering 37 per cent of his body at the Grand Hôpital de Charleroi following a serious accident. The 24-year-old is currently in stable condition, though his recovery is expected to be lengthy and his playing career is on hold indefinitely.

The update was shared by close friend Nicolas Gigot on the Leetchi fundraising platform, where an appeal has been launched to help Vliegen and his family manage the financial burden of his treatment. “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,” Gigot wrote.

Vliegen began his rugby career at Standard Chaudfontaine before making his international debut for the Diables Noirs in 2019. He has since become one of the most prominent figures in a Belgian generation targeting qualification for the Rugby World Cup, most recently contributing to the 2027 qualifying campaign.

At club level, the prop represented ASM Clermont Auvergne and US Carcassonne before joining Olympique Marcquois Rugby in 2022, where he has played a key role in helping the club avoid relegation for three consecutive seasons.

At this stage, rugby is secondary to Vliegen’s recovery. His friends and family have emphasised that all support is welcome as he works towards returning to normal life.