Former Springbok rugby captain Joost van der Westhuizen is fighting for his health after being diagnosed with a motor-neuron muscle disease. Supersport's Brendan Nell reports.
"The disease, which is apparently similar to the one that put one of his team-mates, Springbok flank André Venter in a wheelchair a few years ago, has been diagnosed as very serious and could have drastic implications for his health.
"Van der Westhuizen, who led the Blue Bulls to Currie Cup victories in 1998 and 2002, and who is one of the most capped Springbok rugby players in the nation's history, complained to his personal doctor, Dr Henry Kelbrick, of pain in his arm and was immediately sent for a battery of tests to diagnose the outcome.
"Once the diagnosis was made, the seriousness of the matter prompted Dr Kelbrick to send Van der Westhuizen to see two neurologists so that treatment could begin.
"While neither Van der Westhuizen nor his immediate family have been available to comment, sources close to the player tell SuperSport.com that the disease is "very serious" and could have massive implications for his future."
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