Gentle giant: Rugby mourns Cornal Hendricks
South African rugby is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved sons, Cornal Hendricks, the dual-international wing who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 37 from a heart attack.
Hendricks, who overcame immense personal challenges to earn 12 caps for the Springboks between 2014 and 2015, also had a distinguished domestic career with Boland, the Cheetahs, and the Bulls.
His international journey included representing South Africa at the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow.
His Test career came to a sudden halt in 2016 after he was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition, but that setback only added to the legend of his eventual comeback.
The President of SA Rugby, Mark Alexander, paid tribute to Hendricks as a player who wore the green and gold with immense pride and purpose.
"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,” said Alexander.
"Cornal was one of those players who loved the game. He worked extremely hard, but 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.”
Vodacom Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone described Hendricks as a deeply respected and much-loved member of the Loftus family.
"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 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, may he rest in perfect peace.”
Director of Rugby Jake White, who coached Hendricks during his second spell with the Bulls, said his return to professional rugby was nothing short of inspiring.
"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. His appetite for life was infectious. Rugby has lost one of the good ones today.”
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