Van der Westhuizen meeting Ireland's Paul O'Connell, Peter O'Mahony, Les Kiss, Mike Ross and Tommy Bowe at Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel in 2014. Dan Sheridan/INPHO
RIP
South African rugby legend Joost van der Westhuizen dies aged 45
The World Cup-winning Springbok scrum-half had been battling motor neurone disease since 2011.
It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Joost,” read a short statement on Facebook. “He passed away in his home surrounded by his loved ones. He will be sorely missed xx.”
The former scrum-half, a Springboks captain who won the 1995 World Cup, was diagnosed with the condition in 2011.
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In action for the Springboks in 1994. PA Archive / PA Images
PA Archive / PA Images / PA Images
Van der Westhuizen scored 38 Test tries in 89 appearances in the green and gold by the time he retired in 2003.
The iconic rugby player set up the J9 Foundation to promote awareness around motor neurone disease.
RIP Joost van der Westhuizen, 1971-2017. Condolences to the family and friends of a true Springbok hero. pic.twitter.com/ZZ7IBEBcyE
We wish to express our sincere condolences to the family of Joost Van Der Westhuizen. An inspiration to us all in so many ways. #RIPJoostpic.twitter.com/PGVJhTSmjh
South African rugby legend Joost van der Westhuizen dies aged 45
SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY legend Joost van der Westhuizen has passed away after a battle with motor neurone disease.
The 45-year-old was rushed to hospital in a critical condition on Saturday and his own JD Foundation confirmed the sad news this afternoon.
It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Joost,” read a short statement on Facebook. “He passed away in his home surrounded by his loved ones. He will be sorely missed xx.”
The former scrum-half, a Springboks captain who won the 1995 World Cup, was diagnosed with the condition in 2011.
Van der Westhuizen scored 38 Test tries in 89 appearances in the green and gold by the time he retired in 2003.
The iconic rugby player set up the J9 Foundation to promote awareness around motor neurone disease.
- © AFP 2017
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Joost van der Westhuizen Motor neurone disease RIP Rugby sad loss Springbok Tragic World Cup