South Africa bids farewell to former Springbok Cornal Hendricks who passed away at 37

Cornal Hendricks, the dynamic Springbok and Blitzboks winger, has passed away at the age of 37 following a heart attack on Wednesday night (14 May).

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A fan favourite known for his speed and power, Hendricks was actively playing for the Boland Cavaliers this season and played a crucial role in helping the team secure a place in the 2025 Currie Cup competition.

Hendricks rose to prominence in sevens rugby, representing the Blitzboks during the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons, including the Sevens World Cup in Moscow. He was instrumental in the Blitzboks’ gold medal victories at the 2013 World Games in Cali, Colombia, and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

In 2014, he made a successful return to the 15-person format, joining the Toyota Cheetahs. Hendricks' explosive performances earned him a call-up to the Springboks, where he played 12 tests and scored five tries, including a memorable effort against the All Blacks.

However, after signing with the Stormers, at just 27, Hendricks faced a life-altering setback when he was diagnosed with a rare heart condition and was advised to retire from rugby.

After getting a second opinion, a cardiologist gave him the go-ahead, and he resumed playing in club rugby. At the end of 2018, the Bulls announced that Hendricks had signed a contract to play for them, resulting in him playing in 72 matches for them.

Over his career, Hendricks made 68 appearances for Boland, 28 for the Cheetahs, 72 for the Bulls, and 43 for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup.

Cornal Hendricks leaves behind a legacy of resilience and brilliance, both on and off the field.