The news of Joost van der Westhuizen's death has seen the sporting community join together to pay tribute to a man who is considered one of the greatest scrumhalves in history.
The former Springbok scrumhalf died on Monday after losing his battle with motor neuron disease.
He was 45.
Van der Westhuizen was rushed to hospital in a critical condition on Saturday, his J9 Foundation confirmed.
Despite stabilising and showing signs of acknowledging those around him, Van der Westhuizen passed away on Monday afternoon.
Tributes poured out on Twitter for the former Springbok player:
Probably one of the greatest Boks ever and a close friend has lost his battle rip my Buddy— Rob Louw (@roblouw6) February 6, 2017
RIP Joost van der Westhuizen, Springbok legend. My full tribute will be on Sport24 shortly.— Rob Houwing (@RobHouwing) February 6, 2017
Today...we cry together as a sporting nation.— Pat Symcox (@PatSymcox77) February 6, 2017
RIP Joost. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/VDX1WEz3WT— Jacques Kallis (@jacqueskallis75) February 6, 2017
Hartseer dag. Ons gedagtes en gebede gaan uit na Joost se mense. Hyt lank geveg. Ons gaan jou mis. Rus sag. #rip #ledgend #Joost #Springboks pic.twitter.com/V7qy0bOGyL— Bobby van Jaarsveld (@bobbyvjaarsveld) February 6, 2017
A great friend has left us with an incredible legacy in rugby. Joost inspired on and off the field. Rest easy blue eyes.... #j9foundation— Matt Dawson (@matt9dawson) February 6, 2017
An inspirational figure of our game on and off the field. Our thoughts are with the family & friends of Joost at this time #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/CXP3ahkeMl— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) February 6, 2017
Our deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of Joost van der Westhuizen. RIP Joost.— Harlequins (@Harlequins) February 6, 2017
SASCOC send their heartfelt condolences to the family of Springbok rugby star Joost van der Westhuizen who passed away today.— TeamSouthAfrica (@teamsa17) February 6, 2017
Rest in Peace Joost Heystek Van der Westhuizen. Springbok No 593:Played 89 Test, Total Bok Matches; 111. Test debut vs Arg 1993, Tries-39.???? pic.twitter.com/6fIyWICr07— ThandoManana (@TandoManana) February 6, 2017
RIP Joost@9Joost— Brad Barritt (@bradbarritt) February 6, 2017
What a man, kept fighting right to the end!
An inspiration to all rugby players from all countries!
What a man what a player @9Joost !!! Boks best no9 and one of the all time greats to play the game ??.rip legend,we had some awesome times??— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) February 6, 2017
RIP Joost... a pioneer in the number 9 jersey in world rugby. An example that we are all mortal… https://t.co/COn0MUaE6h— Simon Harmer (@SimonHarmerRSA) February 6, 2017
Rus en vrede Joost. Hartseer.— Ryk Neethling (@RykNeethling) February 6, 2017
He was an amazing man. I had the great privilege & honour to meet him through my wonderful friend Gavin. Thoughts & prayers go to his family https://t.co/GKml9XhXtx— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) 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
May God keep your soul in comfort JOOST.We were truly privileged to view your https://t.co/bB7S9LtqJQ.condolences to his family and friends.— Marc Van Heerden (@marc1308) February 6, 2017
Salute to a legend! Rus in vrede ou grote. pic.twitter.com/RAYvSScOOY— Carel du Preez (@CarelPreez) February 6, 2017
Sad news abt the passing of former springbok Joost Van Der Westhuizen @Springboks @Sport24news— Lucas Radebe (@LucasRadebe) February 6, 2017
