Former Springbok rugby captain and World Cup star Joost van der Westhuizen was reported on Sunday to be in a Johannesburg hospital after collapsing at his home on Saturday night.
Van der Westhuizen’s publicist Bridget van Oerle confirmed that Van der Westhuizen had been admitted to hospital, but said that rumours of a heart attack or stroke were unfounded.
She said his family was with him and asked that the media and the public respect their privacy at this difficult time.
”He had a good night [on Sunday] night,” Van Oerle said.
”They are still doing tests.”
Van Oerle said she expected to get an update on Van der Westhuizen’s condition later in the day from his wife and the hospital.
Van der Westhuizen has been embroiled in an alleged sex scandal.
In March 24-year-old Marilize van Emmenis confessed to being the woman in a sex video which allegedly also shows Van der Westhuizen.
As a result, SuperSport temporarily parted ways with Van der Westhuizen.
In a statement in March, SuperSport spokesperson Clinton Van Der Berg said it would be in both parties’ best interests that Van der Westhuizen no longer render any services to the sports broadcaster until further notice.
”His appearances on air are adding pressure to the situation, which is not conducive to the allegations being resolved,” said Van Der Berg. — Sapa