SPRINGBOK rugby legend Joost van der Westhuizen has died. He was admitted to a Johannesburg facility on Saturday morning in a critical condition. The J9 Foundation recently denied reports that Van der Westhuizen needed the additional oxygen to survive.

The 45-year-old ex-scrumhalf has been fighting Motor Neurone Disease (MND) since 2011. He has been an active campaigner for charities connected to the condition.

He will always be remembered for his role in the Springbok’s win in the 1995 World Cup. The scrumhalf was a member of the national team in the 1999 and 2003 World Cups, representing the Boks in 89 test matches.

Sad day for SA as we mourn the loss of Springbok icon, Joost. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends #j9foundation #RIPJoost

— Tonderai Chavhanga (@tchavhanga) February 6, 2017

.@TimesLIVE J9 foundation confirms former SA rugby player Joost vd Westhuizen has died

— Graeme Hosken (@GraemeHosken) February 6, 2017

Man, so heartbreaking. Thoughts & Prayers with the family. Joost, you will always be a South African hero. #RIP pic.twitter.com/42KiQF8vFP

— Brent Lindeque (@BrentLindeque) February 6, 2017

My thoughts today are with Joost's incredible family They fought every minute of his battle alongside this Great man #RipJoost.

— Barney Girnun (@barneygirnun) February 6, 2017

The great Joost is gone. He was a player whose giant shadow will loom over the game forever. Go gently into the good night, J9.#RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/V3SwlRoea9

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) February 6, 2017

Thinking of Joost's two brave children. What a journey they have travelled over these past few years. #J9

— Mandy Wiener (@MandyWiener) February 6, 2017

RIP Joost. You battled hard, on and off the field, in and out of hospital, you battled hard. #RIPJoost

— Sibusiso Mjikeliso (@Sbu_Mjikeliso) February 6, 2017

Despite everything….Joost will always be a rugby legend. Now that he is free from his illness may he rest in peace. #RIPJoost

— Anisa (@anisajac) 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

— Wallabies (@wallabies) February 6, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with Joost's family and friends. May the Legend rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/eCIyQ2rSXF

— SA Rugby Legends (@SARugbyLegends) 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

RIP @9Joost 🏉😥 #truelegend

— Jesse Kriel (@JesseKriel15) February 6, 2017