Joost Van der Westhuizen, a World Cup winner with the Springboks in 1995, was diagnosed with the debilitating motor neurone disease in 2011.
Regarded as one of the finest scrum-halves in history, he won 89 international caps between 1993 and 2003, scoring 38 tries.
He captained the Springboks for four years, including at the 1999 World Cup, before his retirement in 2003.
TRIBUTES
He was one of the few non All Black players I adored. Such sad news! #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/blr14PBBC0
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) February 6, 2017
South Africa rugby president Mark Alexander: “Joost will be remembered as one of the greatest Springboks – not only of his generation, but of all-time,”
Very very sad to hear this, he was the ultimate player and competitor , thoughts with his family and @sarugby https://t.co/bZA4Qw0JG6
— Sir Clive Woodward (@CliveWoodward) 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
Heart breaking to hear that Joost has passed away. A warrior and a gentleman. Let us not forget his spirit and his life. Vei Lomani xx
— Ben Ryan (@benjaminryan) February 6, 2017
Really sad news about Joost van der Westhuizen – I met him at a rugby tournament in Bermuda once
— George Hook (@ghook) 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
Condolences to loved ones of Joost van der Westhuizen, Springbok rugby legend and superhero in fight against motor neuron disease. #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/uWYsxFCIxx
— Ulrich J van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) February 6, 2017
Condolences and prayers to the Van der Westhuizen family and his friends🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼#legend #rugbyfamily pic.twitter.com/bl1H0qW6i2
— JP Pietersen (@jppietersen14) February 6, 2017
RIP Joost van der Westhuizen, 45.
One of the greatest players to ever grace the game of rugby & a courageous hero off the field too. pic.twitter.com/OhOrhTzL4Y— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) 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
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
Sad to hear of the passing of Joost van der Westhuizen, after a typical brave fight against a horrible illness. Rest easy #RIPJoost #legend pic.twitter.com/k2WVef1ROF
— Shane Byrne (@shanebyrneoffic) February 6, 2017
Sad to hear the news that joost van der westhuizen has passed away. An unbelievable player that I always watch growing up. #rip @9Joost
— Lee Dickson (@Dicko9) 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
A true legend and Champion of the game 🏉🙏🏾❤️ https://t.co/ENywwjNJjx
— ugo monye (@ugomonye) February 6, 2017
Rugby has lost another of its favourite sons, RIP @9Joost legend off and on the field, and a personal hero of mine 🙌🙌🙏🙏 🇿🇦 #RIPJoost
— Ben Foden (@ben_foden) February 6, 2017