SA and the world mourn Joost
After battling motor neuron disease since 2011, Joost van der Westhuizen sadly passed away on Monday afternoon.
POLOKWANE – Following the passing of rugby legend Joost van der Westhuizen, Twitter users took to the site to share their condolences.
RIP Joost van der Westhuizen, 1971-2017. Condolences to the family and friends of a true Springbok hero. pic.twitter.com/ZZ7IBEBcyE
— Springboks (@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
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
https://twitter.com/Pierrespies8/status/828608073342279680
Condolences and prayers to the Van der Westhuizen family and his friends🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼#legend #rugbyfamily pic.twitter.com/bl1H0qW6i2
— JP Pietersen (@jppietersen14) February 6, 2017
R. I. P. JOOST NOW YOU ARE PAIN FREE. PEACE LEGEND.
— Bakkies Botha (@BakkiesBotha4) 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
@9Joost one of the best players in the world! It was a privilege to see him in action! Sterkte aan familie in die moeilike tyd! RIP #Legend
— Naas Botha (@NaasBotha10) 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 Government (@GovernmentZA) 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
RIP to the incredible J9 , this man put up a brave fight on and off the field! Rugby players go to a special place in heaven! pic.twitter.com/VsBHYQH5SZ
— Siv Ngesi (@iamSivN) 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
Rus en vrede Joost. Hartseer.
— Ryk Neethling (@RykNeethling) February 6, 2017
Rest in Peace now champ. You have done your duty for your country. #Joost
Condolences to his entire family especially his boet and his kids— Zelda la Grange ©™✌ (@ZeldalaGrangeSA) February 6, 2017
Our thoughts and best wishes go out to the family and friends of Joost Van Der Westhuizen
He will be sorely missed#RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/zWPVEP4OWr— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 6, 2017
We wish to express our sincere condolences to the family of Joost Van Der Westhuizen.
An inspiration to us all in so many ways. #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/PGVJhTSmjh— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) 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
#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
https://twitter.com/ER24EMS/status/828586673726427137
Van der Westhuizen, 45, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition on Saturday and sadly passed away on Monday afternoon.
Van der Westhuizen fought motor neuron disease since 2011 and was given between two to five years to live at the time.
In a 2013 interview on BBC Sport van der Westhuizen told reporter James Peacock: “I realise every day could be my last. It’s been a rollercoaster from day one and I know I’m on a deathbed from now on. I’ve had my highs and I have had my lows, but no more. I’m a firm believer that there’s a bigger purpose in my life and I am very positive, very happy”.
