Reactions to the death Monday of legendary Springbok scrum-half Joost van der Westhuizen at the age of 45 following a long battle with motor neurone disease:
"Joost will be remembered as one of the greatest Springboks -– not only of his generation, but of all time. He also became an inspiration and hero to many fellow sufferers of this terrible disease as well as to those unaffected. We all marvelled at his bravery, his fortitude and his uncomplaining acceptance of this terrible burden." - Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby
"RIP Joost van der Westhuizen. An incredible player and fighter to the end. The first of the new age 9s." - Former Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll
"In a team talk I can still remember his eyes looking right through you with so much determination. He had this sparkling personality, you could still see it in his eyes even those last years." - Morne du Plessis, manager of 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok team
"Very very sad to hear this, he was the ultimate player and competitor, thoughts with his family." - England's 2003 World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward
"Rugby has lost a true warrior today." - Former England international Will Greenwood
"A great friend has left us with an incredible legacy in rugby. Joost inspired on and off the field. Rest easy blue eyes...." - Ex-England scrum-half Matt Dawson
"He's been such a big part for so many people's lives for such a long time. He fought so bravely. He was a naughty little imp – there was always chaos around him! I remember him crawling under the table and setting my shoelaces on fire." -Joel Stransky, 1995 world champion with South Africa
"I knew Joost most of his life because when I was a young teacher at FH Odendaal he was at school there. There are so many things you can say about Joost but the one thing that I keep coming back to is that both as a player and person he was a warrior and a fighter. It was very sad to see him physically go backwards but he never lost that fighting spirit." - Heyneke Meyer, ex-Springbok head coach
"One of the best players in the world! It was a privilege to see him in action!"- Naas Botha, captain of the Springboks in the 1980s
"South Africa has lost a legend and one of the best rugby players that the country has ever produced. On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, our heartfelt condolences to Mr van derWesthuizen’s family. May his soul rest in peace."- Jacob Zuma, president of South Africa
"Thoughts and love with the family of Joost. Great man." - Former Wales international Scott Quinnell
"You will be missed!" - South Africa cricket star AB de Villiers
AFP
