Joost van der Westhuizen a "true Springbok great"
The All Blacks has led tributes in the rugby fraternity to the late Springbok, Joost van der Westhuizen. The New Zealand national rugby team has referred to van der Westhuizen as a "true Springbok great" who'll be missed by many.
The 45-year-old died yesterday at his Johannesburg home surrounded by his loved ones after being admitted to hospital in a critical condition at the weekend.
His foundation, the J9 Foundation released a statement yesterday saying his death is a devastating loss to his family and a loss to fans around the world.
The father of two had been battling a form of motor neuron disease known as Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) since 2011.
ALSO READ: LISTEN: KZN remembers Joost van der Westhuizen
Former All Blacks captain, Tana Umaga has called it a sad day for rugby - saying the former No. 9 had a competitive nature.
England's head coach, Eddie Jones says van der Westhuizen was a man who really influenced the players.
While former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says he will be remembered as a "warrior & a fighter."
See tributes shared on social media below.
Condolences to the friends and family of one of the greats of our game, Joost van der Westhuizen. #RIPJoost. pic.twitter.com/YGh33TjKNT
— Qantas Wallabies (@qantaswallabies) February 6, 2017
The #AllBlacks extend their sympathies to the family of Joost van der Westhuizen. A true @Springboks great. You will be missed.#RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/KEEwdZ8NWS
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) February 6, 2017
The Cell C Sharks join the rest of the rugby fraternity and our nation in mourning the the loss Joost van der Westhuizen. #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/cMDi4lNHWH
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) February 6, 2017
Our thoughts and condolences go out to @9Joost family, friends and the millions of fans that adored him. https://t.co/sG4G5zTiJs pic.twitter.com/ppPqFdDeiy
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) February 6, 2017
RIP Joost van der Westhuizen, a @Springboks legend. During his storied career, he faced #Canada twice (1995, 2000) #RISEAsOne 🇨🇦🏉🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/moypNZZXCH
— Rugby Canada (@RugbyCanada) February 6, 2017
Joost van der Westhuizen. Leyenda del deporte. El rugby pierde a uno de sus grandes embajadores. Nuestras condolencias @Springboks #QEPD
— UnionArgentinaRugby (@unionargentina) February 6, 2017
A moment to remember from #joostvanderwesthuizen from Rugby World Cup 1999, #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/euQauZ2Pu0
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) February 6, 2017
Saddened to hear of the passing of Joost van der Westhuizen. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the @Springboks rugby community. pic.twitter.com/AyJG4W5t34
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) February 6, 2017
We wish to express our sincere condolences to the family of Joost Van Der Westhuizen.
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 6, 2017
An inspiration to us all in so many ways. #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/PGVJhTSmjh