Joost van der Westhuizen, the South African Rugby World Cup winner, has died aged 45. The former scrum-half had been living with motor neurone disease since 2011 and was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital on Saturday morning.

The J9 Foundation, the charity founded by Van der Westhuizen in 2012, confirmed that he had died at home, saying in a statement: “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.”

Joost van der Westhuizen will be remembered for inspirational spirit and dignity | Robert Kitson Read more

South Africa Rugby paid tribute to a player they described as “one of South Africa’s greatest-ever Springbok legends”. Van der Westhuizen is regarded as one of the finest scrum-halves in the history of the game, having won 89 caps between 1993 and 2003. Only Bryan Habana (66) has more than his 38 Test tries for the Springboks, and he was a key member of the team that secured an iconic triumph in the 1995 World Cup on home soil.

“Joost will be remembered as one of the greatest Springboks – not only of his generation, but of all time,” said Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby.

“As a player, he lifted the Rugby World Cup, Tri-Nations and Currie Cup while establishing himself as one of the best scrum-halves world rugby has ever seen. He was the record holder for the most Test tries for the Springboks for more than 13 years and finished his international career with 38 Test tries.

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“He also became an inspiration and hero to many fellow sufferers of this terrible disease as well as to those unaffected. We all marvelled at his bravery, his fortitude and his uncomplaining acceptance of this terrible burden.

Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) RIP Joost van der Westhuizen. An incredible player and fighter to the end. The first of the new age 9's.

“It’s a sad day for rugby in South Africa and across the globe as we say goodbye to a legend of the Springboks. Our condolences go to his family and friends at this sad, sad time.”

Van der Westhuizen and his estranged wife, the singer Amor Vittone, have two children, a son Jordan and daughter Kylie.