Joost van der Westhuizen RIP

[strawclearer]

On a thrilling day of rugby, spare a thought for Joost van der Westhuizen - rushed into hospital in critical condition as he continues his battle with motor neurone disease. Former team-mate, Hennie le Roux saying that only machines are keeping him alive.

So sad - a dreadful disease and it would appear that full time is mercifully close for one of the most-capped South African rugby players of all time.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/ ... name=sport

[Tigerbeat]

Thoughts are with him and his family at this time.

[L Smith]

On a thrilling day of rugby, spare a thought for Joost van der Westhuizen - rushed into hospital in critical condition as he continues his battle with motor neurone disease. Former team-mate, Hennie le Roux saying that only machines are keeping him alive.

So sad - a dreadful disease and it would appear that full time is mercifully close for one of the most-capped South African rugby players of all time.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/ ... name=sport

Good call, Straw Clearer. Sadly, there is no battle with Motor Neurone. So cruel and so sad. Thoughts with his family.

[Mark62]

So sad, up there with Gareth Edwards as the greatest 9 of all time

[drc_007]

If you would like to do something to support research into this dreadful disease, https://www.mndassociation.org

[CJ]

Puts a lot of things into perspective. So sad.

[Noddy555]

I had the pleasure of meeting Joost in 1991 a fine player and a lovely man, our thoughts are with him and his family tonight.

[strawclearer]

From his family: Joost remains in ICU in a critical but stable condition. He is responding well to his loved ones and putting up an incredible fight. He really is our Superman!

[Chobbsy]

On a thrilling day of rugby, spare a thought for Joost van der Westhuizen - rushed into hospital in critical condition as he continues his battle with motor neurone disease. Former team-mate, Hennie le Roux saying that only machines are keeping him alive.

So sad - a dreadful disease and it would appear that full time is mercifully close for one of the most-capped South African rugby players of all time.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/ ... name=sport

I saw him at the last World Cup final he was there in his wheelchair with the rest of the 1995 Cup winning team, he was truly sad to see, a great man and player the other sad thing was about 5 minutes later I was speaking to Jonah

[strawclearer]

News24 in South Africa reporting "the former Springbok scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen has lost his battle with motor neuron disease."

The family have confirmed:

"It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Joost. He passed away in his home surrounded by his loved ones. He will be sorely missed"

[Iain]

Very sad to hear. He really was one of the greatest.

Such an awful disease. At least his pain and suffering is over.

[Tigerbeat]

A great player departed. RIP Joost

[Chobbsy]

A great player departed. RIP Joost

Sadly its official
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38882762

[LE18]

So very sorry to hear this, he was a great player.

[Spicer]

Rest well Joost