Joost van der Westhuizen “Still Fighting in Hospital. Keep Praying for Him.”

Beloved South African rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen has been rushed to hospital in critical condition. He is still alive, despite rumours on social media. [UPDATE 6 Feb: Joost van der Westhuizen has sadly passed away at the age of 45.]

His foundation – the J9 Foundation – said on Facebook minutes ago: “Joost is still fighting in hospital everyone. Keep praying for him. Please follow only this page for updates there are a lot of rumours however we will keep posting with the correct details.”

The Foundation had first announced his admittance to hospital five hours ago, saying: “The family and friends of Joost ask that you all pray for Joost. He was taken to hospital earlier today and is in a critical condition.

“We ask that you all please respect the families time at the moment.

“When we have updates we will let you know for now we ask that we all bow our heads in prayer. Xx”

About three hours ago, Amor Vittone, mother of his two children, wrote on facebook: “Ek vra names die hele familie asb, om Joost in jul gebede te hou vandag. Ons almal is by mekaar vandag. ❤ Joost ons is lief vir jou!“

Joost was diagnosed with destructive degenerative disease Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in 2010, and set up the J9 Foundation to help fellow sufferers.

Joost’s 46th birthday is this month, on 20 February.

Two weeks ago Joost (or someone administering his Twitter account) had denied reports that he was already in critical condition in hospital, as had been widely reported.

“Thank you everyone for caring,” he tweeted. “I just want to make something clear. I’m NOT placed on oxygen. I’m fine and still going strong!!!”

Later, that evening (20 January), he/his admin tweeted: “All the glory to Jesus!!!” That is the last tweet he has posted.

The South African Minister of Sport, Fikile Mbalula, tweeted: “Just heard news that M Joost Van der Westhuizen is in hospital. He is in our prayers and may this legendary warrior  get well.”