Former Springbok skipper and Rugby World Cup winning halfback Joost van der Westhuizen is out of hospital following tests to verify a motor neurone disease scare, his doctor said on Saturday.

"The diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease is unfortunately a possibility, but is not confirmed," said Jody Pearl in a statement.

Earlier this month, media reported that the 40-year-old experienced a weakness in his arm, prompting doctors to run tests.

"Joost has been discharged from hospital following multiple investigations and is currently on a trial of therapy with his condition being regularly reassessed," said Pearl.

Motor neurone disease and similar neurological disorders require careful consideration, and at times a trial of therapy, before a final diagnosis is made, he said.

Van der Westhuizen shares the record as try scorer for South Africa at 38 with wing Bryan Habana and also captained the 1999 World Cup team, retiring after playing in the 2003 tournament.

"I am pleased to report that he is stable and in good spirits," said Pearl adding that the player was approaching his health challenge with similar courage he displayed on the rugby pitch.

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