The rugby world was united in mourning upon the news that one of its greatest ever players - Joost van der Westhuizen - had passed away at the age of just 45 earlier today.
The former South Africa scrum-half and captain established himself as one of the finest exponents of the position in rugby history during a 10-year international career.
Van der Westhuizen was the most capped Springbok in history when he retired in 2003 having appeared 89 times for his country, scoring 38 tries in the process.
In 2011, the World Cup winner was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and, after a long battle, he passed away today having been taken to hospital over the weekend.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up some of the tributes paid to the legendary number nine from around the rugby world and beyond.
"Joost will be remembered as one of the greatest Springboks - not only of his generation, but of all time.
"He also became an inspiration and hero to many fellow sufferers of this terrible disease as well as to those unaffected. We all marvelled at his bravery, his fortitude and his uncomplaining acceptance of this terrible burden." - South Africa rugby president Mark Alexander
RIP Joost van der Westhuizen, 1971-2017. Condolences to the family and friends of a true Springbok hero. pic.twitter.com/ZZ7IBEBcyE
— South African Rugby (@Springboks) February 6, 2017
Was a pleasure sharing a dressing room with you,A warrior in every sense of the word,legend of the game,God Bless your fam,rus sag ou grote🙏 pic.twitter.com/ajM4MrVAf5
— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) February 6, 2017
"Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Joost van der Westhuizen, who has sadly passed away at the age of 45..." - England Rugby
Condolences to the friends and family of one of the greats of our game, Joost van der Westhuizen. #RIPJoost. pic.twitter.com/YGh33TjKNT
— Qantas Wallabies (@qantaswallabies) February 6, 2017
We wish to express our sincere condolences to the family of Joost Van Der Westhuizen.
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 6, 2017
An inspiration to us all in so many ways. #RIPJoost pic.twitter.com/PGVJhTSmjh
"Rugby has lost a true warrior today - Joost van der Westhuizen - 1995 World Cup Final - Titanic Individual Performance. Rest in Peace. - World Cup-winning former England international Will Greenwood
Saddened to hear of the passing of Joost van der Westhuizen. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the @Springboks rugby community. pic.twitter.com/AyJG4W5t34
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) February 6, 2017
R. I. P. JOOST NOW YOU ARE PAIN FREE. PEACE LEGEND.
— Bakkies Botha (@BakkiesBotha4) February 6, 2017
"RIP Joost. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends." - Former South African cricketer Jacques Kallis
Great memories with our dear friend and team mate, laughing eyes even in the face of adversity! #RIPJoost we miss you already. pic.twitter.com/hlBxv3QVFZ
— Joel Stransky (@stranners) February 6, 2017
Few become a hero twice in your lifetime like @9Joost did. A sparkling eyed warrior who left his greatest performance til last #ripjoost pic.twitter.com/gVKhl2oG6I
— Ben Kay (@BenKay5) February 6, 2017
I'm absolutely gutted! One of my heroes growing up! #RIPJoost 😰 - South African-born cricketer Kevin Pietersen
#RIPJoost
— JP Pietersen (@jppietersen14) February 6, 2017
Condolences and prayers to the Van der Westhuizen family and his friends🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼#legend #rugbyfamily pic.twitter.com/bl1H0qW6i2
Rugby has lost another of its favourite sons, RIP @9Joost legend off and on the field, and a personal hero of mine 🙌🙌🙏🙏 🇿🇦 #RIPJoost
— Ben Foden (@ben_foden) February 6, 2017
