Former Springbok scrumhalf dies at age 45

Former Springbok scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen died on Monday, 6th of February.

Van der Westhuizen's J9 Foundation confirmed that he was rushed to hospital in a critical condition on Saturday, suffering from motor neuron disease.

Despite stabilising and showing signs of acknowledging those around him, the 45 year old Van der Westhuizen passed away on Monday afternoon.

Blue Bulls CEO Barend van Graan confirmed Van der Westhuizen's passing and expressed his condolences to his children, family and friends.

Van Graan said if there's one thing we can learn from Joost it was his passion for life.

Van der Westhuizen, who was diagnosed with the illness in 2011, played 89 Tests for the Springboks between 1993 and 2003.

He scored a then-Springbok record 38 tries and is widely regarded as one of the game’s finest-ever scrumhalves.