Tributes continue to pour in for Joost

His estranged wife took to social media website Facebook to confirm with a "hurt and heavy heart" that Van der Westhuizen died.

"We are embraced with family and lots of love. Joost, rest in peace and know that [their children] Jordan and Kylie treasure you in their hearts," she wrote in Afrikaans.

"You are with the angels without pain. You were and are my first love. We love you! Rest in peace with God and all the angels."

After being admitted to hospital in a critical condition on Saturday, Van der Westhuizen was placed on life support later on as he battled the effects of motor neurone disease (MND).

The 89-times capped Springbok scrumhalf played international rugby between 1993 and 2003.

He retired from the game in 2003 following his third Rugby World Cup campaign, having been part of the winning Bok team on home soil in 1995 and captaining the side to third place four years later.

The African National Congress said that Van der Westhuizen was an integral part of the South African team that gave the country one of its most iconic moments in sporting history - the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

"It is with deep sadness that the ANC has learnt of the passing of Joost van der Westhuizen today after a long illness," the ruling party said in a statement.

"It was at this Rugby World Cup that South Africa's first democratically elected President Cde Nelson Mandela wore the Springbok jersey and lifted the trophy, a powerful moment that signified our commitment to social cohesion and nation building."

The ANC sent it's condolences to the Van der Westhuizen family.

"We thank Joost, his family and his foundation for his immense contribution to nation building both through his sporting excellence and his charity work. Our deepest condolences go to the van der Westhuizen family, Joost's friends, and the sporting fraternity at large."

Van der Westhuizen was a rugby legend and one of the greatest players to wear the Springbok jersey, the Democratic Alliance said.

"Van der Westuizen was one of the greatest players to ever wear the famous Green and Gold jersey, being capped 89 times. At the time of his retirement he held the then Springbok try scoring record of 38 tries," DA sport spokesperson Tshepo Mhlongo said.

"We will always remember him as a part of the 1995 Rugby World Cup winning Springbok team that brought South Africa together at the dawn of our democracy, unifying us in our diversity. Our thoughts and hearts go out to his family, friends and loves ones. We are united in our sorrow today. May the memory of his courage and determination continue to inspire many generations to come."