The South African rugby community is mourning the sudden loss of former Springboks wing Cornal Hendricks, who passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 37. His death, reportedly due to a heart attack, comes a decade after he was diagnosed with a rare heart condition that almost ended his career prematurely.
Springboks Debut and Career Highlights
Hendricks made his Springbok debut in 2014 and went on to earn 12 Test caps, scoring five tries. One of his most memorable moments in the green and gold came against the All Blacks in the same year, where he finished off a brilliantly worked lineout move with a superbly timed run and finish.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Despite his diagnosis in 2015 and advice from medical experts to retire from the sport, Hendricks was determined to continue playing. Although moves to clubs such as Toulon, the Stormers, and the Kings were blocked due to concerns raised by SA Rugby, Hendricks never gave up hope. His perseverance paid off when he was given a lifeline by the Bulls in 2019.
A Remarkable Comeback with the Bulls
During his time with the Bulls, Hendricks experienced a career resurgence. He was instrumental in their Super Rugby Unlocked victory during the Covid-19 disrupted 2020 season, and later helped secure back-to-back Currie Cup titles. In the 2021–22 season, he was deservedly named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding Currie Cup performances.
Near Return to the Bok Jersey
In 2022, he came close to reclaiming a spot in the Springboks setup following a standout season under Jake White. However, he was excluded from the national team as SA Rugby’s medical team remained cautious and did not approve his return.
A Career That Came Full Circle
Hendricks concluded his playing career earlier this year with Boland, the team where his professional journey began. In total, he made 233 first-class appearances over 17 years, including successful stints with the Toyota Cheetahs and Vodacom Bulls across Super Rugby and the United Rugby Championship. He also featured in the Carling Currie Cup finals of 2020 and 2021, both won by the Bulls.
Blitzboks Success and Early Recognition
Before making his name in the 15-man game, Hendricks was a stalwart of the Blitzboks between 2011 and 2014. He played a key role in their gold medal victory at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and was part of the squad for the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow. In 2013, he was named Springbok Sevens Player of the Year.
Tributes from SA Rugby Leadership
Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, paid tribute to the late star:
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Cornal Hendricks, a remarkable athlete who represented our country with pride in both sevens and traditional rugby. He was a player who gave his all and inspired others with his enthusiasm and respect for the game. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched on and off the field.”
Legacy of a Fighter and Inspiration
Cornal Hendricks is survived by his wife Stephaney, their children, and a legacy that reflects his fighting spirit and passion for rugby. His contributions to the sport, both locally and internationally, will be remembered with great admiration across the country.
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