Joost van der Westhuizen's son is following in his legendary fathers footsteps
Rugby NewsTuesday, 17 June 2025 at 19:50
There was more than just URC glory on the line at Loftus Versfeld this weekend — there was heart, heritage, and one very special number 9.
Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.
Jordan van der Westhuizen, son of the late Springbok legend Joost van der Westhuizen paid an emotional tribute to his dad during the Bulls vs Sharks semi-final — and it hit fans right in the feels.
NUMBER 9 FOREVER
Now 21, Jordan took to the stands in a Bulls jersey proudly marked with “Dad, Joost” and the iconic number 9 — the same number Joost wore with grit and glory for both the Bulls and the Boks.
It was subtle. It was strong. And it happened at Loftus — Joost’s old stomping ground. The crowd roared, but this moment cut through the chaos with quiet class. Photos of the tribute quickly went viral, reminding South Africans just how deep rugby roots can go.
“HE WOULD BE SO PROUD OF YOU”
Jordan’s mom, Amor Vittone, shared snaps of the moment on Facebook — and fans didn’t hold back.
“He would be so proud of you,” read one comment Amor liked.
Another added: “The resemblance is uncanny – it’s like seeing Joost again.”
Joost van der Westhuizen passed away in 2017 following a long, brave battle with motor neurone disease. He and Amor were separated after 15 years of marriage, but they remained forever connected through their children — Jordan and 18-year-old Kylie.
RUGBY ROOTS, FOOTBALL DREAMS
While his dad was a rugby icon, Jordan’s chosen a different ball to chase — football.
A former goalkeeper at Valencia’s youth academy, he later packed his bags for the UK to train with Reading Academy. His goal? A lifelong dream to play for Liverpool.
MODEL BEHAVIOUR – ON AND OFF THE FIELD
But the pitch isn’t Jordan’s only arena. He’s also turned heads in fashion, signing with Ice Model Management and strutting confidently into the modelling world.
Whether it’s in gloves or on the runway, Jordan’s proving he’s not just Joost’s son — he’s a force of his own making.
LEGEND NEVER LEAVES
In a moment that blended past, present, and legacy, Jordan reminded everyone that some jerseys never fade — and some legends never truly leave us.
He may be chasing a football future, but with a name like van der Westhuizen on his back and Joost in his heart, Jordan’s story is just getting started.
EDITORS PICKS:
- England Star Joins British & Irish Lions Squad Ahead of Tour Opener
- “Sabbatical” – All Blacks star Ardie Savea confirms shock move
- World Rugby Blocks Springbok Ace’s Shock England Switch
- All Blacks named among 10 greatest sports teams of all time – ranked!
- Newcastle could make former Lions captain their first marquee signing
Meet the rugby WAGS of the Irish Lions ahead of Australia tour
From long-time loves to glamorous newcomers, these WAGs (wives and girlfriends) are a stylish and supportive presence behind the players.
Here's your guide to the women standing beside the Lions as they head Down Under.
IRISH LIONS RUGBY WAGS
Patti Gibson-Park – Family First, Irish Roots, and Jamison’s Biggest Support (Jamison Gibson-Park)
Becoming an Irish citizen was an easy call for Jamison Gibson-Park — thanks to the strong family life he and wife Patti have built here.
Together they’re raising three kids — Jai, Isabella, and Iris — and Jamison says settling in Ireland has made all the difference. “My family is unbelievably well settled, which makes my job easier. I can just focus on doing my thing,” he told EVOKE.
Grateful for their new home, Jamison was more than happy to make Ireland official.
Ellen Ringrose – The Childhood Sweetheart (Garry Ringrose)
Garry Ringrose and Ellen Beirne tied the knot in June 2023 at the dreamy Virginia Park Lodge in Cavan.
Speaking to
EVOKE, the Irish centre couldn’t stop gushing: “Ellen is the best... she’s a huge support, especially in the not-so-good times.” Childhood sweethearts to power couple status achieved.
Sarah Bealham – Marbella “I Do’s”, Motherhood, and Bealham’s Biggest Win (Finlay Bealham)
2024 was a year to remember for Finlay and Sarah Bealham, as they welcomed their first child — a baby boy named Joaquin — right in the middle of Ireland’s Six Nations camp.
The loved-up pair said "I do" back in August 2022 at the stunning Finca la Concepcion in Marbella, a year on from Finlay’s romantic proposal in Puerto Banús.
Katherine Egan – Medicine, Hockey, and Sheehan’s No.1 (Dan Sheehan)
Dan Sheehan’s long-term girlfriend Katherine Egan is as accomplished as they come. A hockey player for UCD and a Medicine student — she’s got brains, brawn, and ambition to spare.
She’s even studied in the U.S., proving she’s just as at home overseas as Dan might be on tour.
She’s even studied in the U.S., proving she’s just as at home overseas as Dan might be on tour.
Sophie de Patoul – Castle Wedding Royalty (Josh van der Flier)
Josh van der Flier married his Belgian/Irish partner Sophie in a fairytale 2022 wedding at Luttrellstown Castle.
The flanker popped the question in July 2021, and Sophie’s been in the crowd (and the camera shots) at many big Ireland games ever since.
Harriet Beirne – Welsh Beauty with an Irish Base (Tadhg Beirne)
Tadhg met Harriet on a night out in Cardiff back in 2018, and after a bit of long distance, the couple settled down in Ireland.
They tied the knot at Kilkea Castle in 2022, and just bought a new home together, with Harriet teasing “exciting and most likely stressful times ahead” in 2025. Big year incoming!
Kayla Aki – Mum of Four and Bundee’s Rock (Bundee Aki)
Bundee Aki and wife Kayla have one of the most established relationships in the Ireland camp. Married in 2018, the couple share four children: daughters Armani-Jade, Adrianna, and Ailbhe (born at home in 2022), and son Andronikas.
Emma Hempenstall – Private Life, Pitchside Views, and Keenan’s Long-Term Love (Hugo Keenan)
Emma Hempenstall has been by Hugo Keenan’s side for over three years, so she’s well used to life on the rugby sidelines.
The couple keep things pretty private online, but they’ve been snapped at a few weddings and turning up together to support from the stands.
Arni Lowe – From NZ to Dublin, Vegas Vows, and Ringrose’s Co-Pilot in Life (James Lowe)
Arni and James Lowe made the big move from New Zealand to Ireland back in 2017 when James signed with Leinster — and they’ve been building a beautiful life together ever since.
In true low-key style, the long-time couple surprised everyone by eloping to Las Vegas in 2022. Just a year later, they hit another major milestone with the arrival of their son, Nico.
James has often praised Arni as his “co-pilot” on the parenting journey, especially as their little man celebrated his first birthday in April.
Elaine Porter – New Mum, Quiet Strength, and Porter’s Biggest Win Yet (Andrew Porter)
It’s double celebrations in the Porter household — not only has Andrew Porter been named in the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad, but he’s also just become a dad for the first time.
The 28-year-old and his wife Elaine shared the joyful news on Instagram, posting a beautiful black-and-white snap of their newborn son’s tiny hands cradled by his proud parents. The caption said it all: “Our perfect baby boy.”
Laura Sexton – From Tennis Courts to Touchlines, Family First, and Sexton’s Rock (Johnny Sexton)
Johnny Sexton is back in the Lions camp this summer — but off the pitch, it’s been all about family with Laura, his teenage sweetheart turned wife since 2013.
Their love story kicked off at Rathgar Tennis Club and has blossomed alongside Johnny’s legendary rugby career. With three kids cheering him on from the sidelines, the Sextons are as iconic off the field as Johnny is when he’s lining up a crucial kick.
From Saint Mary’s College to University College Dublin, their journey is a true testament to love, loyalty, and lasting partnership.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading