LISTEN: KZN remembers Joost van der Westhuizen
Condolences are streaming in this afternoon following the death of Joost Van Der Westhuizen - with some saying his fighting spirit is an example to all of us.
The 45-year-old former Springbok scrum-half died at his Johannesburg home today- after spending some time in hospital over the weekend. He'd been battling Motor Neuron Disease since 2011.
Among his career highlights was being part of the 1995 Rugby World Cup winning team, and also captaining the Blue Bulls - whom he played for until his retirement in 2003.
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Former Springbok Joel Stransky says van der Westhuizen was a formidable opponent on the field.
"He was a character who we all learned enormously from, he was inspiring in whatever he did. In his early years he was an unbelievable rugby player - completely unpredictable. He great explosive space, he was strong, he could sniff a little gap from nowhere and keep the opposition on their toes," he said.
Blue Bulls CEO Barend van Graan concurs - saying Van Der Westhuizen had a passion for life.
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Meanwhile, some South Africans have also been reacting to the news of van der Westhuizen’s passing - paying tribute and also sharing their memories of him.