Share

Joost won't sit and mope

Cape Town - Former Springbok Joost van der Westhuizen, 40, says he won’t sit in a corner and feel sorry for himself after it was confirmed last week that he does indeed suffer from a deadly motor neuron disease.

Dr Erik Pioro - a leading expert on motor neuron disease from the Cleveland hospital in the US - diagnosed Van der Westhuizen with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and gave him a 80% chance to live between two and five years, and a 20% chance to live for a longer period.

But, despite the setback, the former Bok says he will remain positive and try to live life to the full.

According to a local newspaper report, Van der Westhuizen played golf twice last week and also went out with friends one evening.

He was also a guest at the launch of the Elle Macpherson-clothing range in Johannesburg on Thursday night.

The former scrumhalf - known as a fighter on the rugby field during his playing days - has made it his goal to be part of the 20% that live for longer than five years.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE