SA Rugby president Mark Alexander paid tribute to “remarkable athlete” Cornal Hendricks following his passing at the age of 37.
Hendricks suffered a heart attack and died and on Wednesday while still in the service of the Boland Cavaliers, who over the weekend qualified for the Currie Cup Premier Division after beating Eastern Province.
In 2015 Hendricks was diagnosed with a rare heart condition, a year after making his debut for the Springboks. In 2019 he returned to rugby for the Bulls, earning 115 caps and scoring 34 tries across all competitions.
The Wellington-born Hendricks moved back home to Boland in 2024 where he featured in the SA Cup for the union
Apart from playing in 12 Tests for the Springboks in 2014 and 2015 and scoring five tries, Hendricks also represented the Springboks Seven team between 2011 and 2014, with whom he won a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow in 2014. He was also a member of the Rugby World Cup Sevens squad in Moscow in 2013.
Hendricks, who was named Springbok Sevens Player of the Year for 2013, made his senior debut in the colours of Boland 2008, before moving to the Cheetahs in 2012.
In total, Hendricks played 233 first-class matches in a career spanning 17 years.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Cornal Hendricks, a remarkable athlete who represented his country in sevens and fifteen-man rugby with distinction,” said Mr Alexander.
“Cornal was one of those players who loved the game and he worked extremely hard, but he always did so with a smile on his face, treating all people with respect. His energy and love of life, on and off the field, lifted his teammates and those around him.
“His contributions to the sport and his unwavering dedication will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Stephaney and their children, his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations.”
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