Joost drama!
Some reports say his collapse was caused by brain damage or a stroke...
Former Springbok rugby captain, Joost van der Westhuizen sparked fears of brain damage when he was rushed to Sunninghill hospital in Johannesburg in a "very serious but stable" condition after collapsing during the weekend. Now, he is able to sit up and talk after a weekend collapse.
Despite media speculation of a heart attack or stroke, given reports of chest pains before the collapse his publicist, Bridget Van Oerle was adamant that these were rumours. "That's absolutely unfounded," she told News24.
"He had a good night last night," said Van Oerle. "He is talking, he's fine and he'll be undergoing more tests today."
Under enormous pressure
Earlier this year, the rugby hero was embroiled in a scandal over the release of a sex tape, which apparently shows him in the company of a stripper.
He came under increasing pressure when he was suspended from his job as a freelance commentator and presenter on sports broadcaster Supersport, and his reputation as a family man was shredded.
Mike Bolhuis, Van der Westhuizen's special investigator, acknowledged that the former Springbok had been stressed. "Joost has been under enormous pressure and stress over the past few months," he told Beeld.
Meanwhile Van der Westhuizen's wife, Amor Vittone, was doing well after going into "severe shock" when her husband collapsed. "She's fine, she's very strong," said Van Oerle. "She's with him and she's very well."
More details of his condition would be available once doctors had conducted tests and informed the family of his condition.
What could have caused Joost's collapse?