RUGBY STAR IS NO MORE.

RUGBY: Tributes are polling in for Former Provincial and Springbok player Tinus Linee who died age 45 after suffering from Motor Neuron disease. {MND}.  He died peacefully at his home on November 3. Linee was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in April 2013.  

Tinus Linee

Tinus Linee made his bebute for the Western Province in 1992 and played 112 matches at centre for the province until his retirement in 2011.  At the age 23, he made debut to the Springbok squad on their tour to Australia.  A tour match against the Victoria  national rugby union team in Melbourne on July 21, 1993.   Best career featured, played 9 games for the Springboks between 1993 and 1994, but never capped in a Test.  

He was honoured with some Western Province team-mates at the half time during Super Rugby match between Stormers and Reds at Newlands on May 25, 2013. 'I am sadden to hear of Linee's death in the early hours of the morning', Sport Minister Fikile Mbalula. 

Tinus Linee and Joost van der Westhuizen

On Tuesday 4, President Jacob Zuma conveyed condolence message to Linee's family and friends. ''We wish to convey, on behalf of government and entire rugby loving nation of South Africa our deepest condolence to the family and friends of Mr Linee, the Springbok and the entire rugby fraternity'', he said.   While former rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen who is also battling with motor neuron disease posted a tweet on social media.

 #RIP Linee is survived by his wife Diana, two sons and a daughter.  

Sources: Sport 24_Sports News

Nelly Portia