The Bulls company has spoken out at the devastation within the franchise following the passing of Cornal Hendricks, a loved and celebrated former player, at the age of 37.

The Paarl native was a 12-time capped Springbok, with 73 caps for the Pretoria-based franchise between the 2018/19 and 2023/24 seasons, before he returned to his homeland, Boland, for his career swansong.

That new lease on his professional rugby life in 2019 came years after he acted on the medical advice of doctors and retired prematurely due to serious heart ailments.

Blue Bulls Company Chief Executive, Edgar Rathbone, says Cornal Hendricks was a special player who will be dearly missed.

“We are deeply saddened and still trying to come to terms with the passing of Cornal, a loved member of the Loftus family who was more than a talented player. He knew how to deliver just about the right dose of energy to help lift a room, he was an iconic teammate, a friend for many seasons, and an inspirational figure in the locker room,”

“A brother, a son and an inspiration to both the old and young. A man with such an infectious smile that brightened our world, and above all, we knew Cornal Hendricks as a proud dad to his young kids.”

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, his wife, children and everyone else who is affected by his untimely and tragic death. A special player who defied all the odds and became our inspiration for everyone, may he rest in perfect peace.”

“Cornal Hendricks will be remembered for his outlandish dance moves and love for laughter. A prolific gentleman on and off the field who will be dearly missed by all.”

Bulls director of rugby Jake White echoed Rathbone’s sentiments about the life and death of Cornal Hendricks.

“Many people were shocked and sad when his career was cut short in 2015,” White said.

“When we had the opportunity to get him back on the park, he took that with open arms and made a remarkable use of his second lease in professional rugby. We all witnessed him leave no stone unturned as he inspired his teammates and the South African community through his story of hope and courage,” he adds.

“It was a privilege and honour to have been his coach, a fantastic role model for the next generation and his appetite for life was infectious. Rugby has lost one of the good ones today.

“Everyone’s thoughts at the club are with Cornal Hendricks’ family, friends and his peers during this incredibly difficult time.”

OFFER YOUR CONDOLENCES TO CORNAL HENDRICKS’ FAMILY AND FRIENDS

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/bulls-tribute-to-cornal-hendricks-rest-in-perfect-peace/