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Cape Town - Ireland’s rugby players met Springbok legend Joost van der Westhuizen at a fundraising event in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The event was for Van der Westhuizen’s J9 Foundation aimed at fighting Motor Neurone Disease.
Van der Westhuizen has been battling the disease since 2011.
“They say never meet your heroes. They're wrong. Today, after training, media and meetings, we met Joost van der Westhuizen. He really is worth meeting,” the IRFU posted on their official website.
“One of those special evenings that come about through rugby. An invitation to the J9 Foundation dinner to support former Springbok captain Joost van der Westhuizen's Motor Neuron Disease charity.
“There is a standing ovation for the squad in appreciation of their taking time out to come along and support the great man's event. There is an even more richly deserved ovation for the man himself.
“A truly special evening with a legend of the game. God bless Joost".
The 45-year-old Van der Westhuizen played 89 Tests for the Springboks between 1993 and 2003.
He scored a then-Springbok record 38 tries and is widely regarded as one of the game’s finest-ever scrumhalves.
Delighted to be at @9Joost fundraiser with the legend Joost. #shouldertoshoulder #TeamOfUs #rugbyfamily #mnd pic.twitter.com/2bOw0qolM6
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 14, 2016
Ireland beat the Springboks 26-20 in the first Test in Cape Town last weekend. The second Test is scheduled for Johannesburg on Saturday (17:00), with the third and final Test to be played in Port Elizabeth the next week (June 25).Tour Diary: Altitude & @9Joost #TeamOfUs #shouldertoshoulder https://t.co/WX5ewwgy3d pic.twitter.com/AsHP0ECNB3
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 14, 2016
