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.

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.

Rugby Union - Autumn International - Scotland v South Africa - Murrayfield, Edinburgh 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
— Springboks (@Springboks) February 6, 2017

South African Rugby / Twitter

We wish to express our sincere condolences to the family of Joost Van Der Westhuizen.
An inspiration to us all in so many ways. #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/PGVJhTSmjh
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 6, 2017

Irish Rugby / Twitter

RIP Joost van der Westhuizen. An incredible player and fighter to the end. The first of the new age 9's.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) February 6, 2017

Brian O'Driscoll / Twitter

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South African rugby legend Joost van der Westhuizen dies aged 45

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