Home » Tributes Continue to Pour in for Number 9, Joost van der Westhuizen

Tributes Continue to Pour in for Number 9, Joost van der Westhuizen

Tributes have poured in for Joost van der Westhuizen from around South Africa, and the world. Nando’s posted a simple but powerful picture of the restaurant chain’s logo with the words “Our number one number 9″… referring to the former scrumhalf’s Springbok jersey number. (Watch a fan’s Number 9 tribute video below, featured on SAPeople in […]

By SAPeople
07-02-17 00:28
in Fab South African Stuff

Tributes have poured in for Joost van der Westhuizen from around South Africa, and the world. Nando’s posted a simple but powerful picture of the restaurant chain’s logo with the words “Our number one number 9″… referring to the former scrumhalf’s Springbok jersey number. (Watch a fan’s Number 9 tribute video below, featured on SAPeople in 2015.)

House actor, Hugh Laurie, tweeted: “RIP Joost van der Westhuizen, taken by the infernal motor neurone disease at 45. Not a thorn, but a dagger in English sides. Brilliant man.”

Fellow rugby player Joel Stransky said: “Great memories with our dear friend and team mate, laughing eyes even in the face of adversity! #RIPJoost we miss you already.”

President Jacob Zuma has also expressed deep sadness and extended his heartfelt condolences on the passing of the South African rugby legend and former Springbok captain.

“South Africa has lost a legend and one of the best rugby players that the country has ever produced. On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, our heartfelt condolences to Mr van der Westhuizen’s family. May his soul rest in peace,” said President Zuma.

He also thanked the nation for keeping Van der Westhuizen in their thoughts and prayers during his illness.

Joost’s estranged wife, and mother of his two children, Amor Vittone, opened her heart in a facebook update Monday evening, saying: “The children and I are in a complete state of shock. We know that for Joost’s sake, you will give them the space that they need – and we thank you for that!

“My first priority is to our children right now, and I thank you for understanding, as I try and steer them and navigate through this loss, which will reverberate through all of our lives for a long time to come.

“Personally – Joost gave me the greatest gift of my life – because he was the father of my children. Even though we were separated, he was in our life on a daily basis right to the end and we shared extraordinary memories. I can’t say much more, except that I know, the public and press support, meant a great deal to him. Thank you all for the messages of condolences. I’ve been in tears reading them…..thank you.”

A public memorial will be held for Joost on Friday, in Pretoria.

South Africans in London have also expressed a desire to hold a memorial in the UK for the rugby star. Many have said they will be wearing their Springbok rugby shirts to work tomorrow, or at least green shirts, in honour of number 9.

Veronica Teixeira Borrageiro‎, from Cape Town, also urged everyone around the world to get involved in a tribute tomorrow: “More gaan ALMAL springbok klere dra ter na gedagtenis vir Joost!!!! Stuur aan almal en ons verf die land, die Wêreld groen en goud vir Joost, ons S.A. Legende!!!!“

Watch Rudi & Charne tribute ‘Goue Seun’, performed in 2015

Number 9, Joost van der Westhuizen

A short tribute film, created by Keiran Duignan, of “one of the greatest Scrum-Halves ever to play Rugby Union”, and to raise awareness for MND sufferers and Joost’s J9 Foundation.

Watch Jonah Lomu meets Joost van der Westhuizen for reunion in South Africa