Former Springboks and Bulls back Cornal Hendricks has passed away at the age of 37.

It has been reported that the former flyer suffered a suspected heart attack on Wednesday evening.

Hendricks began his career at Boland Cavaliers and represented the Cheetahs and the Bulls, with his final match coming against Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup quarter-finals last year.

‘Defied all the odds’

“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,” Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone said.

“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 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.”

Hendricks started his career at Boland, spending four years at the club, before spending two years with the South Africa Sevens outfit.

In 2014, he signed for the Cheetahs with his form leading to a Springboks call-up, making his debut against Wales in the mid-year Tests. Hendricks would earn 12 caps for the national team between 2014 and 2015.

Hendricks then signed for the Stormers on a two-year contract in 2016, but soon afterwards, he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and was told that his rugby career was over.

Bulls chance

However, Hendricks remarkably returned to the pitch in 2019 after being given a chance by the Bulls and played a crucial role in their revival under Jake White.

Such was his form for the Pretoria outfit that many were backing him to make a return to the Springboks side ahead of the British and Irish Lions series in 2021.

Although that did not materialise, Hendricks continued to produce outstanding performances on the field until his departure in 2024.

“Many people were shocked and sad when his career was cut short in 2015,” Bulls director of rugby 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.

“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.”

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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/former-springboks-wing-cornal-hendricks-dies-aged-37