Joost 'still going strong'

It was reported by the YOU and HUISGENOOT magazines on Friday that Van der Westhuizen, who is fighting motor neurone disease, had been put on oxygen to survive.

According to the magazines, the 45-year-old Springbok has been reliant on oxygen for some time, but the family opted to keep the news quiet for the sake of his children, Jordan (12) and Kylie (10).

However, the 89-Test Bok and his foundation, J9, took to social media to dismiss the reports.

"Thank you everyone for caring," he said, adding: "I just want to make something clear. I'm NOT placed on oxygen. I'm fine and still going strong!!!"

The J9 foundation also moved to clear up the confusion surrounding the physical state of the former Springbok scrumhalf.

"Good evening everyone, we have received a huge influx in calls and messages today [Friday] from media, supporters and friends regarding Joost and the posts and reports going around," the foundation said if a Facebook post.

"We would just like to clarify everything.

Joost is still fighting strong, he uses oxygen as a support occasionally and is by no means reliant on it.

"What happens with MND is that the respiratory muscles become weak (as do all muscles) and due to this, patients sometimes need oxygen support as the breaths are smaller thus less oxygen going through the body. Oxygen support then just helps bring the levels up again when they feel they need it.

"Please, guys always remember when you are reading stories in the media, most stories are written by people who do not know the 'subject' at all and are written in such a way that will cause a stir or a sale.

"Joost is still fighting this fight with everything in him he is an incredibly strong-willed man and we continue to fight MND with him. He is grateful for all your continued support."

Thank you everyone for caring. I just want to make something clear. I'm NOT placed on oxygen. I'm fine and still going strong!!!

— Joostvdwesthuizen (@9Joost) January 20, 2017