Cornal Hendricks dead at 37: Rugby star dies ‘after heart attack’ as heartbroken team remember ‘infectious smile’
RUGBY star Cornal Hendricks has died aged just 37.
The South African played 12 times for the Springboks between 2014 and 2015, scoring five tries.
He also represented his country in rugby sevens, winning gold medals at the 2013 World Games and 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Hendricks spent his entire club career from 2008 to 2024 playing for teams in his homeland – Boland Cavaliers, Cheetahs, Bulls and Blue Bulls.
The wing did briefly join Toulon in the Top 14 in 2016 but ended up not playing for the French side.
It looked as though his rugby career was going to be over in 2016 when he joined the Stormers but was diagnosed with a serious heart condition.
Incredibly, he returned to the field in 2019 with the Bulls and won two Currie Cups, nearly forcing his way back into the Springboks set-up, before retiring in 2024.
His final match came against Northampton Saints in last year’s Champions Cup quarter-finals.
But South Africa Rugby confirmed the sad news on Thursday morning that he tragically passed away after a suspected heart attack.
Hendricks was remembered as a “remarkable athlete” who always played rugby with his “infectious smile” but also as a “proud dad” and “inspirational figure”.
President of SA Rugby Mark Alexander said: “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.
“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 team-mates 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.”
‘INSPIRATION TO YOUNG AND OLD’
Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone added: “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 team-mate, 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.”
And Bulls director of rugby Jake White paid his own touching tribute, commenting: “Many people were shocked and sad when his career was cut short.
“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 team-mates 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.”