This week saw the sad passing of Springbok legend Joost Van Der Westhuizen at the age of 45, following a six-year battle with Motor-Neurone Disease. Following days of tributes from rugby stars, Van Der Westhuizen was commemorated across the Six Nations games this weekend.
Van Der Westhuizen's memorial service took place in Pretoria, South Africa, last Friday, at which his children paid emotional tributes to their departed father.
Both wrote letters to their Dad, with his ten-year-old daughter Kylie writing the following:
Dad, I’m sorry you had to go but you wanted to. I know you are having a blast in heaven. Love #1Dad. You will always be in my heart. I love you and no one will ever change that. I will never forget you, you will always be by my side. Remember you mean the world to me. I love you, from Kylie.
His son, 13-year-old Jordan, asked his father to "please tell God Liverpool must win":
Dear Daddy, thank you for everything but most of for “Be the best dad can be!’ You are the best rugby player of the world! I want to be the best sportman like you, because you said I must work hard!! I will always love you to the moon and back. Daddy please tell God that Liverpool must win. You will never walk alone! I love you so much, Jordan.
A photo of the letter was shared online by former Liverpool 'keeper Sander Westerveld, who is currently coaching in South Africa.
Liverpool won, no surprise, thanks for asking your daddy, Jordan! @9Joost RIP #LFCTOT #YNWA pic.twitter.com/58JS8BuVpO
— Sander Westerveld Official (@sawe74) February 11, 2017
A day after the memorial service, Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-0 at Anfield, to secure their first Premier League win of 2017.
