The Blue Bulls Rugby Union (BBRU)‚ the only provincial team Joost van der Westhuizen ever played for‚ expressed their shock and sadness at the passing of the former scrumhalf on Monday.

Van der Westhuizen succumbed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis‚ the most severe form of motor neuron disease (MND). He was 45 years old.

Blue Bulls Company CEO‚ Barend van Graan said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Joost van der Westhuizen‚ and our thoughts and condolences go out to his family‚ friends and the millions of fans that adored him.

“Joost will forever be remembered as the warrior that terrified opposition on the field‚ and one that took on MND head on while raising massive awareness for the cause.

“Although he suffered immense difficulties because of MND‚ he showed South Africa his fighting spirit through his foundation‚ the J9 Foundation‚ as he pioneered awareness of this dreaded disease.”

Gert Wessel‚ President of the BBRU said: “Joost was an individual with a ‘big heart’‚ both on and off the field.

“This showed in his approach to the game as he stood back and stepped aside for nothing in his playing. This tenacious attitude clearly came through in his battle against MND as well.”

- TMG Digital/TMG Sport