I put up a thread about 18 months ago, [in the other place] about his illness...very sad..a terrible illness.

What a fantastic rugby player he was..one of the best.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2017/0 ... n-has-died" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

RIP

He certainly was a fantastic player. Only ever saw him play on TV unfortunately.
RIP Joost.

Rugby Legend: Joost van der Westhuizen...a few tries against the Home Nations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POUAJCVYnQs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm not a rugby fan at all and know very few players, but Joost van der Westhuizen is definitely one I did know about. Such sad news to hear that he's passed away at the age of 45 and from such a terrible illness.

Very sad news. Just confirms that even the fittest of athletes are not immune from dreadful illnesses like this.

Now living in SA and having an SA wife and mates this has sent shockwaves.

I think everyone knew it was a matter of time but it is still a shock...RIP

That's just sad.

we named our pet guinea pig after him about 20 years ago...............

Yeah, a great player in his day. Electric pace away from the scrum / ruck / maul.

Very sad indeed. One of the greats.

RIP

RIP Joost. Thanks for the memories.
tragically young for such a superb athlete.

I hated it when he played against England, he had a great eye for a weakness in defence and was v good at squeezing his way through when he spotted one.
There's an excellent piece/interview with him on a UK visit (when he was promoting awareness of the disease that he had). Very humbled at the end of his life and not apparently self-pitying.
As many are pointing out, it's particularly painful to see once great athletes suffering from debilitating illnesses at a young age.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38882483