Former Springboks captain Joost van der Westhuizen fighting for his life in hospital
Former Springbok captain Joost van der Westhuizen remains in a critical yet stable condition in hospital with motor neurone disease (MND) which he has been battling for seven years.
The former South African rugby player who has been widely regarded as one of the greatest ever scrum-halves and an integral member of South Africa’s 1995 World Cup victory, was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital on Saturday with his J9 Foundation saying that his condition has improved and he’s been resting.
“Joost remains in ICU in a critical but stable condition. He is responding well to his loved ones and putting up an incredible fight. He really is our Superman!” it said.
J9 Foundation spokesperson told a reporter that “Joost has been much better today, however he is tired and been resting this afternoon.”
On Saturday, the foundation had called for prayers for Van der Wetshuizen and his former South Africa teammate Hennie le Roux told the press that he “was being kept alive on machines” and that it “doesn’t look good for Joost.”
A statement was released late on Sunday, saying the former captain is showing signs of improvement, although no further information was given.
Van der Westhuizen played 89 Tests for his country and once held the all-time try scoring record which has since been surpassed by Bryan Habana. At 6ft 1in, he became the prototype for a new modern breed of scrum-half who could threaten teams with physicality as well as his pace.
