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Rugby great Van der Westhuizen 'in critical condition'
By Tom Webber
South Africa rugby great Joost van der Westhuizen is in a critical condition in hospital as he continues to fight Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
Van der Westhuizen, a member of the iconic 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok side, was diagnosed with the debilitating illness in 2011.
A deterioration in the 45-year-old's condition resulted in his admission to hospital on Saturday, according to a statement issued by the J9 Foundation, which he set up to help MND sufferers.
"The family and friends of Joost ask that you all pray for Joost. He was taken to hospital earlier today and is in a critical condition," read the statement.
"We ask that you all please respect the family's time at the moment."
Van der Westhuizen is widely regarded as one of the greatest scrum-halves in the game's history and lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy in 1995 when his side beat New Zealand 15-12 in the final.
He made 89 appearances for the Springboks over a 10-year international career, scoring 38 tries.
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Latest Comments
James O'Connor comments are correct. Having been to the trainings at CHCH 's Malvern Park, there trainings have been fast and furious . They have stepped up a gear on previous seasons. James looks sharp. As do all the new guys. Ethan Blackadder is in great nick. I believe he is going to have great 2025. Off the field a good guy. Same goes for guys like Dominic Gardiner, Cullen Grace, George Bower. As has been the case for the last few years, great seeing Ethan and Dominic following in the footsteps of there Dads Todd Blackadder and Angus Gardiner, who were big parts of the first title winning Crusader teams, Todd the captain.
Go to commentsIt’s very clearly not intentional.
Certainly makes eye contact, and it’s certainly reckless which means he’s facing anything between an 8 - 208 week ban. Which is quite a range!
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