Cape Town - 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:

It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Joost. He passed away in his home surrounded by his loved... https://t.co/WwyDGETq1A — J9 Foundation (@J9_FoundationUK) February 6, 2017

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

What a man, kept fighting right to the end!

An inspiration to all rugby players from all countries! — Brad Barritt (@bradbarritt) February 6, 2017

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

RIP Joost you will always be in our hearts forever. Condolences to the Van Der westhuizen family and friends during this time of grief?????? pic.twitter.com/60hoDvRWoc — Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) February 6, 2017

This is so sad. I played against the great man and he was outstanding. RIP after your long struggle my friend. https://t.co/mCsRSSTH0G — Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) February 6, 2017

RIP Joost???? — Ruan Combrinck (@R_Combrinck15) February 6, 2017

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

#RIPJoost my thoughts go out to his family, friends and the many people whose lives he impacted. pic.twitter.com/TUy8LjxQTS — Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) February 6, 2017

Few become a hero twice in your lifetime like @9Joost did. A sparkling eyed warrior who left his greatest performance til last #ripjoost pic.twitter.com/gVKhl2oG6I — Ben Kay (@BenKay5) 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

Could never quite keep up with this legend on the field....RIP brother! pic.twitter.com/feb5V2AByE — Stefan Terblanche (@StefanT15) February 6, 2017

A SA rugby legend has passed.The Springbok no9 has been worn by many & very few have done as much honour to it as #joostvanderwesthuizen.RIP — Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) February 6, 2017

Was a pleasure sharing a dressing room with you,A warrior in every sense of the word,legend of the game,God Bless your fam,rus sag ou grote?? pic.twitter.com/ajM4MrVAf5 — Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) February 6, 2017

Role model to so many youngsters growing up is SA. One of the best 9's ever. Legend of the Game. #RIP #Legend pic.twitter.com/WQcGXHcB6f — Werner Kruger (@kruger_werner) February 6, 2017

Rugby has lost a true warrior today - #joostvanderwesthuizen - 1995 World Cup Final - Titanic Individual Performance. Rest in Peace. — Will Greenwood (@WillGreenwood) February 6, 2017

Very sad to hear of the passing of one of our greats. #joostvanderwesthuizen you faught a great fight. — Ernie Els (@TheBig_Easy) February 6, 2017 #RIPJoost such sad news. One of the greats of the game and a true fighter till the end. #Legendpic.twitter.com/Y3Zv2zz5LP

— Branden Grace (@BrandenGrace) February 6, 2017

We extend our condolences on the death of former Springbok player Joost van der Westhuizen. #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/emGpBcPn1V — South African Gov (@GovernmentZA) February 6, 2017

R.I.P. Joost . A Super Legend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family https://t.co/dzfbZXPL3v — CorneKrige (@CorneKrige6) February 6, 2017

I think most kids had that pic of joost, James small and Andre Joubert on their walls, machine of a human being, #Legend #RIPJoost — Henry Davids (@HenryDavids19) February 6, 2017

R.I.P. Joost Van Der Westhuizen, A true legend on and of the field. Our condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/gvlNw9M9Bv — Jacques Engelbrecht (@Vleis8) February 6, 2017

So sad to hear about the passing of @9Joost was a pleasure to work with u. Did such great work in the fight against MND!! #restinpeace — paul harris (@paulharris12) February 6, 2017

Never had the privilege of refereeing or meeting one of rugby's greats. Very sad to hear of a legend taken so young. Deepest sympathy https://t.co/cq3U8KWT2W — Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) February 6, 2017

In 2012, Joost van der Westhuizen was honored with a Steve Tshwete Lifetime Achievement Award. May this fighter and warrior RIP pic.twitter.com/fF8IIm07Sp — RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) February 6, 2017

Dis met n seer en swaar hart, dat ons afskeid geneem het van Joost n uur terug. Ons is omhels met familie en... https://t.co/E6e85nA8Nt — Amor Vittone (@amor_vittone) February 6, 2017

Joost, you finished strong & kept fighting! Bigger impact after rugby in so many people's lives! #RIP pic.twitter.com/G4xwa06ZLM — Pierre Spies (@Pierrespies8) February 6, 2017

Always did the Joost dive pass as a kid. #RIPJoost — Wayne Parnell (@WayneParnell) February 6, 2017

RIP to a Legend!Thank you for all the fondest rugby memories. You will never be forgotten. People come and go but Legends live forever! pic.twitter.com/VsQRmLRU2e — SP Marais (@SPMarais) February 6, 2017

#RIPJoost what an amazing life my brother!! Your kids can be so very proud!! U were a footprint.. not a foot note... RIP cuz? pic.twitter.com/4kKfskaspe — James Terence Small (@JamesTerenceSm1) February 6, 2017

Sad day: farewell to Joost van der Westhuizen. Brilliant player, incredibly brave man. pic.twitter.com/xUAmAl22SD — Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) February 6, 2017

Great memories with our dear friend and team mate, laughing eyes even in the face of adversity! #RIPJoost we miss you already. pic.twitter.com/hlBxv3QVFZ — Joel Stransky (@stranners) February 6, 2017



