RIP Joost Van der Westhuizen – How twitter reacted

South African icon and rugby legend Joost Van der Westhuizen sadly lost his battle with motor neuron disease on Monday.

The former Springbok scrum half, who played 89 tests scoring 38 tries between 1993-2003, was rushed to the hospital on Sunday afternoon.

The 45 year old was diagnosed with the disease in 2011 and given only a 20% chance to live up to 2 years. Since then he has been an inspiration to many as his fighting spirit on the rugby field was matched off it. In April, it would have been 7 years since the diagnosis.

Van der Westhuizen raised awareness about the diseases, forming the J9 Foundation, making numerous public appearances and never letting his disease define or determine how he lived his life.

Since the news of the former Springbok captain’s death emerged, there has been an outpouring of tributes on twitter from notable people from all over world, here are few of them:

We extend our condolences on the death of former Springbok player Joost van der Westhuizen. #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/emGpBcPn1V

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 6, 2017

RIP Joost van der Westhuizen, 45.
One of the greatest players to ever grace the game of rugby & a courageous hero off the field too. pic.twitter.com/OhOrhTzL4Y

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 6, 2017

RIP Joost van der Westhuizen, 1971-2017. Condolences to the family and friends of a true Springbok hero. pic.twitter.com/ZZ7IBEBcyE

— Springboks (@Springboks) February 6, 2017

Very sad to hear of the passing of one of our greats. #joostvanderwesthuizen you faught a great fight.

— Ernie Els (@TheBig_Easy) February 6, 2017

We wish to express our sincere condolences to the family of Joost Van Der Westhuizen.
An inspiration to us all in so many ways. #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/PGVJhTSmjh

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 6, 2017

Condolences to the friends and family of one of the greats of our game, Joost van der Westhuizen. #RIPJoost. pic.twitter.com/YGh33TjKNT

— Wallabies (@wallabies) February 6, 2017

#RIPJoost my thoughts go out to his family, friends and the many people whose lives he impacted. pic.twitter.com/TUy8LjxQTS

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) February 6, 2017

https://twitter.com/KP24/status/828603659978162176

You will be missed! #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/snNE19S2cN

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) February 6, 2017

Joost Van der Westhuizen will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest rugby players of all time but will be even more respected for his fight against his disease and the inspiration he provided to millions around the world.

RIP Joost

Staff Writer