The Rugby World Pays Tribute To Joost van der Westhuizen
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‘There are two things we take for granted every day – time and health. The moment you lose them, only then do you wake up.”
Those are the words of legendary Springbok scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen, who lost his battle with motor neurone disease disease today at just 45 years of age.
He had been living with motor neurone disease since 2011 and was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital on Saturday morning in critical condition. The incurable disease which damages parts of the nervous system left van der Westhuizen confined to a wheelchair and he was given two to five years to live when he was diagnosed.
Joost will forever be remembered as one of the greatest nines the game has ever seen, and has been credited for ushering in a new age of nines we now see in the modern game.
The rugby world has been united in tribute today following the tragic news.
RIP Joost van der Westhuizen, 1971-2017. Condolences to the family and friends of a true Springbok hero. pic.twitter.com/ZZ7IBEBcyE
— South African Rugby (@Springboks) February 6, 2017
The world of #rugby mourns the passing of @Springboks great and #RugbyHoF inductee no. 119 Joost van der Westhuizen. https://t.co/LbjHLYBRSK pic.twitter.com/mOgqcGayHx
— 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
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
Thoughts and prayers with the family of Joost van der Westhuizen – may he rest in peace. #RIPJoost #MND
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 6, 2017
We’re saddened to hear the news of Joost’s passing. It was our pleasure to have him on the show in 2014. #RIPJoost https://t.co/dpNmi3uHkH
— Rugby Tonight (@RugbyTonight) February 6, 2017
89 caps
1 World Cup win
4 years as Springbok captain.A world rugby legend
RIP Joost van der Westhuizenhttps://t.co/tPxpWvPGp3 pic.twitter.com/x3kFrWyktO
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 6, 2017
We wish to express our sincere condolences to the family of Joost Van Der Westhuizen.
An inspiration to us all in so many ways. #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/PGVJhTSmjh— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 6, 2017
Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Joost van der Westhuizen, who has sadly passed away at the age of 45…#RugbyFamily pic.twitter.com/WGWhtYZ0xz
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 6, 2017
“There are 2 things we take for granted everyday – time & health. The moment you lose them, then only do you wake up.” Joost vdW. #RIPJoost
— Jean-Marié Stander (@JMNeethling) February 6, 2017
RIP Joost van der Westhuizen. An incredible player and fighter to the end. The first of the new age 9’s.
— Brian O’Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) February 6, 2017
