Joost released from hospital

"Joost van der Westhuizen is currently under my care and is still being investigated to determine a final diagnosis," Pearl said in a statement on Saturday.

"I am pleased to report that he is stable and in good spirits, and is approaching this health challenge with similar courage to that which he displayed on the rugby pitch."

It was revealed earlier this month that Van der Westhuizen, 40, was suffering from a life threatening neural disease, but Pearl said it had not yet been fully diagnosed.

"Motor neuron disease and similar neurological disorders require careful consideration, and at times a trial of therapy, before a final diagnosis is made," she said.

"Joost has been discharged from hospital following multiple investigations and is currently on a trial of therapy with his condition being regularly reassessed.

"We are doing everything within our power, based on global best practice, to rapidly establish Joost's diagnosis, and to offer him the best possible therapy."

Van der Westhuizen, a former scrumhalf for the Bulls, at one stage held the record for the most Springbok Test appearances. He retired from international rugby in 2003.