In a month or so where dropped passes will be called disasters, missed kicks labelled catastrophes and defeats likened to tragedies, the stories of Joost Van der Westhuizen and former Springbok team-mates puts things in perspective, explains Ciaran Cronin.

FORMER South Africa captain Joost van der Westhuizen has been diagnosed with a form of motor neurone disease, his publicist has confirmed.

SOUTH AFRICA coach Jake White has revealed he will stick with his tried and tested players when he names his squad on Saturday for the November Test matches against Ireland and England.

Ulster prop Robbie Kempson is being courted by SA Rugby officials in a bid to bolster South Africa's recent tight five woes ahead of the Tri-Nations and World Cup, which are to be held later this year.

Mark Andrews, the most-capped forward in the history of Springbok rugby, has announced his retirement from South African rugby, just one week after fellow Bok veteran André Venter's decision to call it quits.