Former Springbok captain Joost van der Westhuizen is putting up an “incredible fight” and responding well to his loved ones, the J9 Foundation said on Sunday.
Van der Westhuizen, who suffers from Motor Neurone Disease (MND), has been in a Johannesburg hospital since early on Saturday morning.
The 45-year-old, regarded as one of the best scrumhalves to ever play the game, has been battling with his breathing in recent months.
This led to him utilising an oxygen tank at times when required.
“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!” the J9 Foundation said on social media on Sunday.
There has been a public outpouring of support for Van der Westhuizen, who was diagnosed with MND in 2011. His estranged wife Amor Vittone spent most of Saturday at the hospital.
Late on Saturday, she posted on Facebook: “Joost, at this moment is still critical in hospital, but showing us all his fighting spirit! Please keep him in your prayers and thank you for all the beautiful messages of encouragement. Jordan and Kylie have shown tremendous courage through this difficult time. Lots of love, Amor.”
Van der Westhuizen retired from the game in 2003 following his third Rugby World Cup campaign, having been part of the winning Bok team on home soil in 1995 and captaining the side to third place four years later.
He played in 89 Test matches and scored a then South African record 38 tries.