Van der Westhuizen joins Edinburgh research into motor neurone disease World Cup-winning rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen is teaming up with Scottish university researchers to raise understanding of motor neurone disease (MND). The South African former scrum half was diagnosed two years ago with the degenerative disorder, which has affected a number of sporting stars including former Rangers captain Fernando Ricksen. Following his diagnosis Van der Westhuizen established the J9 Foundaion, which provides support and care to MND sufferers. The organisation is working in partnership with Edinburgh University's Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research to fund its work and discuss the latest academic findings. The foundation is visiting Edinburgh as part of a 10-day fundraising tour of the UK, which will also feature a charity quiz at Murrayfield stadium. Motor neurone disease begins with muscle weakness and difficulties with speaking and slurring, and progresses to paralysis, dementia and death. Only 4% of sufferers survive for 10 years after being diagnosed. Former Rangers and Dutch international defender Ricksen revealed last month on a TV talk show that he had been diagnosed with MND. Professor Siddharthan Chandran, director of the Euan MacDonald Centre, said: "Solving the enormous challenge of MND or ALS requires partnership and collaboration. We are delighted to work with South African colleagues and the J9 Foundation to promote better understanding of this devastating disease. Van der Westhuizen, who won a record 89 caps for the Springboks before he retired in 2003, said: "This is going to be the most important tour of my life. We are not only raising awareness and funds, for the first time we are bringing international research partnerships home. In the beginning you go through all the emotions and you ask, 'why me?' It's quite simple, 'why not me?' If I have to go through this to help future generations, why not me? The South African, who was part of the Springboks" World Cup-winning side in 1995, will be honoured by the Scottish Rugby Union before Scotland play South Africa at Murrayfield on Sunday.