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A true Springbok hero, a giant and a warrior - tributes pour in for Van der Westhuizen
By Tom Webber
Joost van der Westhuizen was branded a “true Springbok hero” as South Africa Rugby led the tributes to their former captain, who died aged 45 on Monday.
The former scrum-half was admitted to hospital at the weekend and lost his battle with motor neuron disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2011.
Van der Westhuizen was part of the iconic 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok side, and scored 38 Test tries in 89 appearances for his country.
Following the sad news of his death, social media was awash with tributes.
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
Our thoughts and condolences go out to @9Joost family, friends and the millions of fans that adored him. https://t.co/sG4G5zTiJs pic.twitter.com/ppPqFdDeiy
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) February 6, 2017
South Africa is poorer without Joost van der Westhiuzen, a giant & warrior of SA rugby. I send my sincere condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/f8ko2SPWpI
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) February 6, 2017
RIP @9Joost #truelegend
— Jesse Kriel (@JesseKriel15) February 6, 2017
RIP Joost
— Ruan Combrinck (@R_Combrinck15) 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
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
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
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
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
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
Sad news abt the passing of former springbok Joost Van Der Westhuizen @Springboks @Sport24news
— Lucas Radebe (@LucasRadebe) February 6, 2017
You will be missed! #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/snNE19S2cN
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) February 6, 2017
@J9_FoundationUK Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Joost. A rugby legend and huge supporter in the fight against #MND.
— MND Association (@mndassoc) February 6, 2017
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