Former South Africa rugby international Cornal Hendricks has passed away at the age of 37, reportedly due to a heart attack on Wednesday evening.
Hendricks, who earned 12 caps for the Springboks and was a key figure in South Africa’s Sevens and 15s teams, had only retired from professional rugby last year, playing his final match for the Bulls in the 2024 Champions Cup quarter-finals against Northampton Saints, Idman.biz reports.
Tributes have poured in following the shocking news, with Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone calling Hendricks “an iconic teammate, a friend for many seasons, and an inspirational figure in the locker room.”
“Cornal was more than a talented player – he was a proud father, a beloved friend, and a man whose smile brightened our world,” Rathbone said.
Hendricks’ rugby journey was as remarkable as it was inspiring. After early stints with Boland Cavaliers and the Cheetahs, a move to Western Province in 2016 was halted by a life-threatening heart condition that forced doctors to advise him to quit the sport. Defying the odds, Hendricks made a dramatic return in 2019 with the Bulls and became a symbol of resilience.
“His second act was nothing short of remarkable,” said Bulls director of rugby Jake White. “He inspired his teammates and the South African community with his story of courage.”
Hendricks was also a standout in the Sevens arena, winning gold at the 2013 World Games and the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Springboks captain Siya Kolisi honored him on social media, writing simply: “Rest in peace brother.”
Idman.biz
