Tributes have poured in for former Springboks winger Cornal Hendricks who sadly handed away on the age of 37.
The previous Boland, Cheetahs, Bulls and Blitzboks star suffered a coronary heart assault on Wednesday, SA Rugby has confirmed.
Cornal Hendricks dies aged 37
Bulls director of rugby Jake White hailed Hendricks‘ resilience to return to rugby after he was identified with a severe coronary heart situation and was informed that his profession was over again in 2015.
He remarkably returned to rugby on the age of 31, becoming a member of the Bulls, the place he additionally switched positions and starred within the centres for the Pretoria-based aspect.
“Many individuals had been shocked and unhappy when his profession was minimize brief in 2015,” White mentioned.
“After we had the chance to get him again on the park, he took that with open arms and made a exceptional use of his second lease in skilled rugby. All of us witnessed him depart no stone unturned as he impressed his teammates and the South African neighborhood by way of his story of hope and braveness.
“It was a privilege and honour to have been his coach, a improbable position mannequin for the subsequent technology and his urge for food for all times was infectious. Rugby has misplaced one of many good ones immediately.”
Former Springboks wing Cornal Hendricks dies aged 37
SA Rugby Mark Alexander praised the previous dual-international who wore the inexperienced and gold with distinction.
Other than enjoying in 12 Exams for the Springboks in 2014 and 2015, he additionally represented the Blitzboks between 2011 and 2014, with whom he received a Commonwealth Video games gold medal in Glasgow in 2014. He was additionally a member of the Rugby World Cup Sevens squad in Moscow in 2013.
Hendricks, who was named Springbok Sevens Participant of the 12 months for 2013, made his senior debut within the colors of the Boland Cavaliers, which can be the place his profession concluded after his final recreation for Boland within the SA Cup earlier this 12 months.
He received the Currie Cup twice with the Bulls doing so in 2020 and 2021.
Hendricks scored 5 tries in his 12 appearances for the Boks and in addition performed one non-Take a look at match for South Africa and in addition ran out within the colors of the SA ‘A’ crew. In whole, Hendricks performed 233 first-class matches in a profession spanning 17 years.
“We’re deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Cornal Hendricks, a exceptional athlete who represented his nation in sevens and fifteen-man rugby with distinction,” Alexander mentioned.
“Cornal was a kind of gamers who cherished the sport and he labored extraordinarily arduous, however he all the time did so with a smile on his face, treating all folks with respect. His vitality and love of life, on and off the sphere, lifted his teammates and people round him.
“His contributions to the game and his unwavering dedication will all the time be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences exit to his spouse Stephaney and their youngsters, his household, mates, and teammates throughout this tough time. Could his legacy proceed to encourage future generations.”
The Lions launched the next assertion on their social media channels: “From everybody on the Lions, we prolong our deepest condolences to the household, mates, and family members of Cornal Hendricks.
“A gifted athlete, a fierce competitor, and a revered determine in our rugby neighborhood. His contribution to the sport is not going to be forgotten. Relaxation in peace, Cornal.”
Teammates pay tribute to Cornal Hendricks
Former teammates of Hendricks have additionally shared brief tributes on social media with Springboks centre Jesse Kriel, writing: “You may be missed my brother! Fly excessive.”
Willie le Roux, who performed alongside Hendricks at Boland, Cheetahs, Springboks and Bulls, posted two photographs on his Instagram story with the caption “Rus sag vriend” [Rest easy, friend].
Handre Pollard, who additionally performed alongside Hendricks on the Bulls and Boks, wrote “RIP my brother” with Siya Kolisi equally writing “Relaxation in peace brother”.
“Free State Rugby mourns the lack of an ex-Toyota Cheetah participant, Cornal Hendricks. Our condolences to his household and mates,” a publish from the Cheetahs learn.
Cheslin Kolbe, who starred within the Blitzboks alongside Hendricks, wrote: “RIP my brother, you had been one particular human being in and out.”
Namibia’s assertion
Namibia Rugby launched an announcement expressing the union’s condolences.
“It’s with deep unhappiness that we prolong our heartfelt condolences to the Boland Kavaliers and the Hendricks household on the passing of Cornal Hendricks,” the assertion learn.
“Cornal was not solely an distinctive rugby participant however a very vibrant and provoking particular person. His ardour for the sport and the vitality he introduced to each match left an enduring impression on all who had the privilege of watching him play and for a few of us, the honour of enjoying in opposition to him.
“Assembly Cornal was a privilege the Namibia Rugby Union will all the time treasure. His spirit, sportsmanship, and kindness transcended the sphere, touching the hearts of many within the rugby neighborhood and past.
“Could his soul relaxation in everlasting peace, and should his legacy proceed to encourage generations to return. With deepest sympathy, Namibia Rugby Union.”
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Followers and journalists’ reactions
Followers and journalists have additionally expressed their unhappiness with famend South African author Brenden Nel sharing touching recollections of the previous Bok.
“Only a phrase or two on Cornal Hendricks, who was not simply one other rugby participant. He was a large,” Nel wrote on X, previously Twitter.
“He could not have reached 100 caps, enjoying 12 exams, however his influence was huge on these he knew.
“The participant with the largest coronary heart and the largest smile, had an influence of everybody.
“I first met him on the Sevens, the place he was a personality, the joker and the prankster, however beneath all of it there was a coronary heart of gold. He was somebody who all the time considered others, and who performed with every thing he had.
“He needed to battle to play professional rugby, and he made it.”
🧵Only a phrase or two on Cornal Hendricks, who was not simply one other rugby participant. He was a large.
He could not have reached 100 caps, enjoying 12 exams, however his influence was huge on these he knew.
The participant with the largest coronary heart and the largest smile, had an influence of everybody
/2— Brenden Nel (@Brendennel) May 15, 2025
Harry Jones, wrote: “He ran one of the best inside traces as a result of he dedicated full on; all the time regarded like was falling downhill, in the direction of the promised land. Elite finisher from the Boland: Bok Cornal Hendricks will keep in our hearts and his household in our minds. Anybody who is aware of how we may help; tell us.”
South Africa’s Minister of Sport additionally paid tribute to Hendricks on social media: “Relaxation in excellent peace Cornal Hendricks, you might have made your mark by inspiring many. Loss of life be not proud.”
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