Cornal Hendricks Passes Away at 37
The rugby world is mourning the loss of former South African winger Cornal Hendricks, who sadly passed away at the age of 37. According to a statement from SA Rugby, Hendricks suffered a heart attack on Wednesday evening.
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A Career Marked by Talent and Resilience
Hendricks made his international debut for the Springboks in 2014 in a match against Wales and went on to earn 12 caps for the national side. However, just a year after stepping onto the world stage, he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition. The diagnosis led him to retire from professional rugby—a decision that left fans and fellow players heartbroken, given his immense talent.
A Triumphant Return to the Game
In an inspiring turn of events, Hendricks returned to the sport after seeking a second medical opinion that cleared him to play again. He went on to spend five more seasons with the Bulls, a Pretoria-based rugby team, competing in the United Rugby Championship and proving he still had what it took to perform at the top level. He even made an appearance for a Springbok XV in a 2022 match against Munster in Ireland, showing the same determination and passion he was known for.
Tributes from the Rugby Community
Jake White, Director of Rugby at the Bulls, reflected on Hendricks’ journey and character with deep respect. “A lot of people were shocked and saddened when his career was interrupted back in 2015,” White said. “But when we got the chance to bring him back onto the field, he grabbed it and made the most of it. He became a symbol of hope and resilience, not just for his teammates, but for the entire South African rugby community. Coaching him was a privilege. His passion for life and rugby was contagious.”
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander also paid tribute, saying, “Cornal wasn’t just a talented player—he was someone who truly loved the game. He worked hard, treated everyone with kindness, and always had a smile on his face. His energy was uplifting, and he made a lasting impact both on and off the field. We’ll remember him not just for what he did in the sport, but for the spirit and joy he brought to it.”
