Joost van der Westhuizen - update

[TTRITH]

The sad news just got worse...

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/28072011/ ... -live.html

What a shame, and at only 40...

Thoughts with him and his family.

[Suz]

Terrible news.
My thoughts are with him and his family

[Purebob]

Dreadful :(

Jason Becker - a respected musician - was diagnosed with ALS in 1996. he is still with us. Perhaps he, and Joost and the other poor folks with this disorder can stay around long enough for a cure to be found.

In my thoughts and prayers.

[Bertos]

Awful news.

My thoughts are with him and his family.

[Tigerbeat]

Update:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/23699697

[pipkoi]

Such a dreadful, dreadful disease of which we have personal family experience of.
Our thoughts are with Joost & his family for a peaceful passing

[Rizzo]

It's a dreadful horrible disease, a friend has it & I have huge admiration for her strength of will & courage, as I do for Joost in this situation.

[Nailsworthstiger]

This is one hell of a debilitating disease and according to the BBC report he says he has between 2 and 5 years as from 2011 whenhe was diagnosed. The only consolation if there is any is that in the 1960's Stephen Hawking was also diagnosed with this disease and he is still going.

All the best Joost

[Jay C]

I admire him for being at peace and having such a positive outlook.

He was also one heck of a player

[Tigerbeat]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/24890861

Gives an interview:

Joost van der Westhuizen, the former South Africa scrum-half now suffering with motor neurone disease, tells Scrum V of his struggle against the illness.

The 42-year-old Springbok legend reveals in a poignant interview how the condition has affected his view of the world and his place in it.

Described by ex-Wales scrum-half Terry Holmes as second only to the great Gareth Edwards as a nine in world rugby history, Van der Westhuizen is in Europe to raise awareness of the condition.

In the interview with Scrum V's Lowri Morgan, the Springbok legend tells of his joy at meeting old friends and playing foes, including ex-Wales fly-half Neil Jenkins.

[Littletigress]

I listened to that interview on the BBC website a couple of days ago. Absolutely heart-breaking. A wonderful rugby player.

[soggytiger]

Just watched SA v Scotland and called both my sons through to watch the interview. Great man -great fight and keep fighting. Impressed by Justin Marshalls reaction. "Best Player in the world in his day"!