Former South Africa centre Tinus Linee has passed away at the age of 45.

Linee, who featured in nine tour matches for the Springboks, had been battling with motor neuron disease since April 2013.

Ex-South African international Joost van der Westhuizen tweeted: "Sad day for rugby in SA. Just received news of the passing of a rugby legend and MND Warrior Tinus Linee. RIP my friend."

Linee is survived by his wife Diana, her two sons and a daughter from his first marriage.