Family and friends rush to hospital as Joost in critical condition in ICU

A statement on the J9 Foundation's website confirmed he was in hospital.

"The family and friends of Joost ask that you all pray for Joost. He was taken to hospital earlier today and is in a critical condition."

• Joost van der Westhuizen: While we're still breathing God has a plan for usFormer Springbok Joost van der Westhuizen has moved to allay fears that he is on death's door after reports emerged earlier this month that he was on an oxygen machine "for his survival." 

Two weeks ago it was revealed that Joost was now on an oxygen machine. At the time it was reported he was on the machine to survive, but Joost downplayed these reports, saying he was "doing well under the circumstances."

He was diagnosed with a form of MND in 2011 and has spoken publicly about his illness, insisting that he will fight until the end.

Family members have told TshisaLIVE that Joost's manager and friend is in the ICU ward with him at a Johannesburg hospital.