[Denver]

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/late...en-six-nations

Former South African rugby team captain Joost van der Westhuizen is in a critical condition as he battles Motor Neurone Disease.

The Springboks star, 45, was rushed to hospital today, where his condition is said to be life-threatening.

A statement posted on the World Cup winner's J9 Foundation website said: "The family and friends of Joost ask that you all pray for Joost."

It went on: "We ask that you all please respect the family's time at the moment.

"When we have updates, we will let you know. For now, we ask that we all bow our heads in prayer."

Van der Westhuizen set up the charitable organisation to help those suffering from Motor Neurone Disease after being diagnosed with the condition in 2011.

The legend is considered one of the greatest scrum-halves ever, having won 89 caps for the Springboks between 1993 and 2003 and scoring 38 tries.

[Nicky91]

aw

[smudgie]

The poor man, what an awful illness to have.
My heart goes out to him and his family and friends.