South African legend, Joost van der Westhuizen’s injury a shock for his side – Rugby News
The South African side is shocked at the injury of their legendary player, Joost van der Westhuizen, as he was diagnosed with a motor neuron disease a few days before.
The Reeboks side found the news quite shocking and said that everyone in the camp was talking about Joost.
Botha, who has played with Joost, told the media that the South African side was greatly disappointed to learn about his disease. He expressed his deep grief for his suffering colleague and said, “It’s shocking news. Everyone’s despondent and sad. Were all
asking questions, because we don’t even know exactly what it means to have this disease. It’s still sinking in. But it’s all were talking about.”
Joost has remained a formidable part of the South African team from 1993 to 2003. He has participated in 89 matches for his national team and scored 190 points in his international rugby career. Joost also represented South Africa during the World Cups of
1995 and 1999. During his long international rugby, he has the reputation of an aggressive defender and fast runner.
Van der Westhuizen reached to the height of his achievements in 2007, when he was included in the class of International Rugby Hall of Fame. The legend had a severe blow in 2009 when he was hit by a heart attack and this is the second time that his life
is under threat.
Dr. Henry Kelbrick, who is close friend of Joost revealed about the disease and said, “Joost and I spent the Easter weekend together at Sun City. We wrestled in the swimming pool and I felt that his right arm was a lot weaker than his left one. I said nothing,
but kept a close eye on him. Later I realised his tongue was slurring a bit and he mentioned to me that it sometimes happens out of the blue. That’s when I realised there’s trouble.”
The disease was confirmed by a neurologist after the scans and doctor said that the situation was serious but under control. The South African side wished Joost a quick recovery, from his life-threatening muscle condition.
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