SA Rugby magazine pays tribute to Springbok legend Joost van der Westhuizen in its new issue, on sale this week.
Back in 2011, Van der Westhuizen was diagnosed with the most severe form of motor neuron disease (MND), and was given between two and five years to live. Yet, despite the debilitating effects of the degenerative disease, Van der Westhuizen defied those odds. He devoted himself to aiding sufferers through his J9 Foundation.
On Monday 6 February the former Springbok scrumhalf passed away. Tributes poured in from around the world as former teammates, former opponents and fans sought to pay homage to Van der Westhuizen and his contributions to rugby and MND awareness.
In this issue, we look back at his career and the mark he’s left on the game.
We also reflect on Handré Pollard’s comeback after 12 months on the sidelines and what it could mean for the Bulls and Boks.
In a frank interview, Pollard talks about his rehabilitation and the infection that nearly led to the amputation of his arm.
In this issue:
– Joost van der Westhuizen will go down as one of the finest Springboks, but his greatest legacy is the work he did off the field under the most trying circumstances
– What was said on Twitter after Joost passed away
– How South Africa’s newspapers reported Joost's death
– Nine of the best moments from Joost's career
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– After a long injury lay-off, Handré Pollard is more determined than ever to show his worth
– After an unforgettable 2016 season, Rohan Janse van Rensburg is more determined than ever to take his game to new heights
– With a new coach and CEO at the helm, the Sharks are looking to re-establish a strong family culture and settle on one style of play
– Springbok flank Siya Kolisi is relishing his responsibility as a father and as a senior member of a young Stormers team
– Johan Goosen may have ended his career by ‘retiring’ from professional rugby to get out of a five-year deal with Racing 92
– After getting a hostile and suspicious reception in Ireland, Rassie Erasmus has steered Munster back on the path to success
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– Beauden Barrett was a revelation for the Hurricanes in 2016. Can his youngest sibling Jordie Barrett follow suit in 2017?
– Former All Blacks No 8 Murray Mexted believes South Africa must place a greater emphasis on open club rugby and learn from New Zealand’s academy systems
– While Werner Kok considers sevens his ‘home’, he hopes to move back to the 15-man game this year
– Saffas in Europe XV: We select a team made up of South Africans who excelled for their clubs in January
– With the road to a Test career seemingly closed to him, former Bulls skipper Jono Ross has settled in France
– Pukke captain Jeandré Rudolph is one of the hottest prospects in this year’s Varsity Cup
– Can the north challenge the south’s stranglehold in the 2017 South African schools season?
SA RUGBY MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION RATE
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– Non-Foschini Group account holders (12 issues): R359 (incl VAT), Neighbouring states: R620; International: R820
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