Tributes have poured in for former Springboks winger Cornal Hendricks who sadly passed away at the age of 37.
The former Boland, Cheetahs, Bulls and Blitzboks star suffered a heart attack on Wednesday, SA Rugby has confirmed.
Cornal Hendricks dies aged 37
Bulls director of rugby Jake White hailed Hendricks‘ resilience to return to rugby after he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and was told that his career was over back in 2015.
He remarkably returned to rugby at the age of 31, joining the Bulls, where he also switched positions and starred in the centres for the Pretoria-based side.
“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.
“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.”
Former Springboks wing Cornal Hendricks dies aged 37
SA Rugby Mark Alexander praised the former dual-international who wore the green and gold with distinction.
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.
Hendricks, who was named Springbok Sevens Player of the Year for 2013, made his senior debut in the colours of the Boland Cavaliers, which is also where his career concluded after his last game for Boland in the SA Cup earlier this year.
He won the Currie Cup twice with the Bulls doing so in 2020 and 2021.
Hendricks scored five tries in his 12 appearances for the Boks and also played one non-Test match for South Africa and also ran out in the colours of the SA ‘A’ team. 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,” Alexander said.
“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.”
The Lions released the following statement on their social media channels: “From everyone at the Lions, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Cornal Hendricks.
“A talented athlete, a fierce competitor, and a respected figure in our rugby community. His contribution to the game will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, Cornal.”
Teammates pay tribute to Cornal Hendricks
Former teammates of Hendricks have also shared short tributes on social media with Springboks centre Jesse Kriel, writing: “You will be missed my brother! Fly high.”
Willie le Roux, who played alongside Hendricks at Boland, Cheetahs, Springboks and Bulls, posted two images on his Instagram story with the caption “Rus sag vriend” [Rest easy, friend].
Handre Pollard, who also played alongside Hendricks at the Bulls and Boks, wrote “RIP my brother” with Siya Kolisi similarly writing “Rest in peace brother”.
“Free State Rugby mourns the loss of an ex-Toyota Cheetah player, Cornal Hendricks. Our condolences to his family and friends,” a post from the Cheetahs read.
Cheslin Kolbe, who starred in the Blitzboks alongside Hendricks, wrote: “RIP my brother, you were one special human being inside and out.”
Namibia’s statement
Namibia Rugby released a statement expressing the union’s condolences.
“It is with deep sadness that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Boland Kavaliers and the Hendricks family on the passing of Cornal Hendricks,” the statement read.
“Cornal was not only an exceptional rugby player but a truly vibrant and inspiring individual. His passion for the game and the energy he brought to every match left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of watching him play and for some of us, the honour of playing against him.
“Meeting Cornal was a privilege the Namibia Rugby Union will always treasure. His spirit, sportsmanship, and kindness transcended the field, touching the hearts of many in the rugby community and beyond.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come. With deepest sympathy, Namibia Rugby Union.”
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Fans and journalists’ reactions
Fans and journalists have also expressed their sadness with renowned South African writer Brenden Nel sharing touching memories of the former Bok.
“Just a word or two on Cornal Hendricks, who was not just another rugby player. He was a giant,” Nel wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“He may not have reached 100 caps, playing 12 tests, but his impact was massive on those he knew.
“The player with the biggest heart and the biggest smile, had an impact of everyone.
“I first met him at the Sevens, where he was a character, the joker and the prankster, but beneath it all there was a heart of gold. He was someone who always thought of others, and who played with everything he had.
“He had to fight to play pro rugby, and he made it.”
🧵Just a word or two on Cornal Hendricks, who was not just another rugby player. He was a giant.
He may not have reached 100 caps, playing 12 tests, but his impact was massive on those he knew.
The player with the biggest heart and the biggest smile, had an impact of everyone
/2— Brenden Nel (@Brendennel) May 15, 2025
Harry Jones, wrote: “He ran the best inside lines because he committed full on; always looked like was falling downhill, towards the promised land. Elite finisher from the Boland: Bok Cornal Hendricks will stay in our hearts and his family in our minds. Anyone who knows how we can help; let us know.”
South Africa’s Minister of Sport also paid tribute to Hendricks on social media: “Rest in perfect peace Cornal Hendricks, you have made your mark by inspiring many. Death be not proud.”
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/privilege-and-honour-to-be-his-coach-jake-white-leads-tributes-for-former-springboks-winger-cornal-hendricks
