Sports fraternity mourns Joost van der Westhuizen's death

by Matthew Wood Tuesday 7 February 2017

Joost van der Westhuizen has died at the age of 45

©PA

Former Springboks captain and World Cup winning former scrum-half Joost van der Westhuizen died at the age of 45 after he was admitted to hospital on Saturday morning.

Stars from all over the world were put in shock as they mourned the death of a fellow professional due to motor neurone disease.

The official South Africa Rugby page tweeted: "RIP Joost van der Westhuizen, 1971-2017. Condolences to the family and friends of a true Springbok hero."

Brian O'Driscoll added: "RIP Joost van der Westhuizen. An incredible player and fighter to the end. The first of the new age 9's."

Former England centre Will Greendwood added: "Rugby has lost a true warrior today - #joostvanderwesthuizen - 1995 World Cup Final - Titanic Individual Performance. Rest in Peace."

Former South African cricket Jacques Kallis also posted his condolences on Twitter. He said: "RIP Joost. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends."

Lucas Radebe, a former captain of the South Africa football team, added: "Sad news abt the passing of former springbok Joost Van Der Westhuizen @Springboks".