Former South African international rugby player Cornal Hendricks has passed away at the age of 37 due to a heart attack. Hendricks, a talented winger, earned 12 Test caps for the Springboks and scored five tries in his appearances for the team.
He made his Test debut against Wales in 2014 and also represented South Africa in rugby sevens, playing for the Blitzboks and winning a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Hendricks’ rugby career was marked by determination and resilience.
Initially forced to retire in 2015 due to a heart condition, he made a remarkable comeback with the Bulls in 2019 after seeking a second medical opinion. Over his 17-year career, he played an impressive 233 first-class matches.
Reacting to his passing, Bulls rugby director Jack White praised Hendricks’ courage and dedication, saying, “Rugby has lost one of the good ones.”
South African rugby president Mark Alexander remembered Hendricks for his love of the game, hard work, and infectious energy, stating, “His contributions to the sport and his unwavering dedication will always be remembered”.
