Artist pays tribute to Cornal Hendricks with unique portrait
Former Springbok wing Cornal Hendricks passed away at 37 on Wednesday, 14 May.
Hendricks played 12 Tests for the Boks, scoring five tries between 2014 and 2015. Domestically, he represented Boland, the Cheetahs, and the Bulls.
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His Test career was cut short after he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition in 2016.
The winger played for the Boland Cavaliers this season and helped them qualify for this year’s Currie Cup.
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He was also part of the Blitzboks team that won gold at the World Games in Colombia and gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.
After news of his death, tributes poured in from across the country.
Rest in perfect peace Cornal Hendricks, you have made your mark by inspiring many. Death be not proud 🇿🇦🥹🙏 pic.twitter.com/4vq0jII4D7
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) May 15, 2025
Free State Rugby mourns the loss of an ex-Toyota Cheetah player, Cornal Hendricks.
— Toyota Cheetahs (@CheetahsRugby) May 15, 2025
Our condolences to his family and friends😔 🧡 @ToyotaSA pic.twitter.com/k5Rmxz4ybt
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Jacaranda FM News reported that 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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One unique tribute stood out.
Self-taught SA artist Ricollin Moodley, or Ricollinart, created a portrait of the rugby legend using a very unconventional material - lipstick.
Watch the video below to see the beautiful artwork come to life:
In another post, Ricollinart wrote: "Tribute to rugby legend Cornal Hendricks🙌🏽 Rest in peace legend🕊".
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Main image courtesy of SA Rugby