In tragic news that came to light on Wednesday night, it was sadly confirmed that 37-year-old former Springbok star Cornald Hendricks had passed away due to heart attack.
Apart from playing in 12 Tests for the Springboks in 2014 and 2015, he also represented the Blitzboks 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.
In total, Hendricks played 233 first-class matches in a career spanning 17 years.
Amidst a host of tributes and messages of condolences, South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa made the following heartfelt post on social media .
“Today my thoughts are with the family, friends and former teammates of former Springbok wing Cornal Hendricks, who has passed on at the youthful age of 37.
“This alumnus of Bergrivier Secondary School in Wellington overcame significant odds in his youth to exercise his passion for rugby, starting with his starring role at the Boland Cavaliers, and for relieving hardship in his community.
“Cornal Hendricks made us proud when he appeared in green and gold for our national Sevens team and the Springbok XV, as well as the Cheetahs, Bulls and Boland.
“His life of personal achievement and social impact through the Cornal Hendricks Foundation has been cut short too soon but we will remember him with pride and appreciation.”
Special tributes to Cornal Hendricks
Meanwhile, there were special plans also outlined by the Bulls, with Hendricks having played for the Pretoria franchise over a memorable five-year stretch after returning to rugby from a heart ailment.
“The team and fans will have the opportunity to pay their last respects on Saturday during round 18 of the 2024/25 United Rugby Championship,” a statement read. “With a moment of silence and a minute’s applause at the 14th minute, an iconic number that Hendricks owned with his blistering pace.
“Bulls flags around the stadium will also be flown at half mast, a sign and mark of respect to the Hendricks family during this difficult time.
“Supporters are also encouraged to lay flowers or any tokens of remembrance, such as letters or notes, to the grieving family at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The iconic Loftus bull statue will be demarcated as the drop-off point for fans who wish to come and pay their last respects to a one-of-a-kind player and human.”
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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/cornal-hendricks-president-ramaphosa-pays-tribute/
