Springbok great Joost van der Westhuizen dies, aged 45

[NZ421291]

A sad day for the Rugby World. Joost was the reason that we lost the World Cup to South Africa back in 1995, fearlessly tackling the Man Mountain Jonah Lomu numerous times during the game. Later, he & Jonah became firm friends- both now passed well before their time.

He was well respected in New Zealand.

Hard to imaging this super fit, strong rugby player can be cut down so quickly by motor neorone disease.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news...ectid=11795789

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news...ectid=11795910

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-uni...-battle-motor/

[miner]

I played rugby in College and afterwards and it is a violent sport. Makes me wonder if concussions could be the root cause.

[Douglas]

It's so very sad, RIP Joost.

[EfeTe]

Real pity -what a player, what a "complete" well rounded 9 he was.