Former South African Rugby captain Joost van der Westhuizen passed away Monday at the age of 45, after a long battle against motor neurone disease.
Van der Westhuizen will be best known for his World-cup winning contributions in 1995 for the Springboks as his team beat New Zealand in the final to lift the trophy.
He won 89 international caps for South Africa in his entire Rugby career and will forever be known among the greatest scrum-halves the game has ever seen.
He will also remain as an inspiration for many, having fought motor neurone disease bravely while raising huge amounts of money for charity via his foundation.
Here’s how the sporting world paid tribute when news of his death spread.
Great memories with our dear friend and team mate, laughing eyes even in the face of adversity! #RIPJoost we miss you already. pic.twitter.com/hlBxv3QVFZ
— Joel Stransky (@stranners) February 6, 2017
R. I. P. JOOST NOW YOU ARE PAIN FREE. PEACE LEGEND.
— Bakkies Botha (@BakkiesBotha4) February 6, 2017
Was a pleasure sharing a dressing room with you,A warrior in every sense of the word,legend of the game,God Bless your fam,rus sag ou grote🙏 pic.twitter.com/ajM4MrVAf5
— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) February 6, 2017
He was one of the few non All Black players I adored. Such sad news! #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/blr14PBBC0
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) February 6, 2017
RIP Joost van der Westhuizen. An incredible player and fighter to the end. The first of the new age 9's.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) February 6, 2017
Very very sad to hear this, he was the ultimate player and competitor , thoughts with his family and @sarugby https://t.co/bZA4Qw0JG6
— Sir Clive Woodward (@CliveWoodward) February 6, 2017
Rugby has lost a true warrior today - #joostvanderwesthuizen - 1995 World Cup Final - Titanic Individual Performance. Rest in Peace.
— Will Greenwood (@WillGreenwood) February 6, 2017
Few become a hero twice in your lifetime like @9Joost did. A sparkling eyed warrior who left his greatest performance til last #ripjoost pic.twitter.com/gVKhl2oG6I
— Ben Kay (@BenKay5) February 6, 2017
A true great has gone today but will never be forgotten. #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/0EGrszmdcn
— Lawrence Dallaglio (@dallaglio8) February 6, 2017
Never had the privilege of refereeing or meeting one of rugby's greats. Very sad to hear of a legend taken so young. Deepest sympathy https://t.co/cq3U8KWT2W
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) February 6, 2017
RIP Joost. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/VDX1WEz3WT
— Jacques Kallis (@jacqueskallis75) 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
What a man what a player @9Joost !!! Boks best no9 and one of the all time greats to play the game 🏉.rip legend,we had some awesome times👊
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) February 6, 2017
He was an amazing man. I had the great privilege & honour to meet him through my wonderful friend Gavin. Thoughts & prayers go to his family https://t.co/GKml9XhXtx
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) February 6, 2017
I'm absolutely gutted! One of my heroes growing up! #RIPJoost 😰 pic.twitter.com/zbaUPqT0VX
— KP (@KP24) February 6, 2017