Former South Africa rugby star, 37, dies of a heart attack – six years after miraculous return to the sport after serious medical condition diagnosis
South Africa rugby star Cornal Hendricks has died at the age of 37 after the former professional is thought to have suffered a heart attack on Wednesday evening.
The ex-Springboks back was competing professionally until just last year for his club side the Bulls, with Hendricks playing his final match versus Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup quarter-finals in 2024.
The club’s chief executive Edgar Rathbone shared a poignant statement in tribute to his former player on Thursday, describing why Hendricks had been such an ‘iconic team-mate’ to those who had played with him.
‘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,’ Rathbone said.
‘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.’
Cornal Hendricks has passed away at 37 after suffering a major heart attack on Wednesday
The former South Africa rugby veteran had been playing until last year with Pretoria side Bulls
Hendricks made his comeback with the Bulls in 2019 after stepping away from the game for health reasons in 2016
‘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.’
Before joining the Bulls in 2019, Hendricks featured for the Cheetahs for the 2014-15 season, after starting his career at Boland Cavaliers in 2008.
But a tipped move to Western Province and the Stormers in 2016 was mooted after Hendricks was diagnosed with a serious heart condition that saw doctors advising the then-player to quit rugby altogether.
In a miraculous return to the pitch in 2019, Hendricks helped the Pretoria side to a revival period under Jack White, with the director of rugby describing his second act as ‘remarkable’.
‘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,’ White said after Hendricks’ passing.
The player won 12 caps for the national team (pictured in 2014) as well as featuring for their Sevens side
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi was among those to pay tribute on social media to Hendricks
‘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.’
Hendricks was also a standout for his national Sevens team, earning gold medals at the World Games in 2013 and the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
The player featured 12 times for the Springboks, and their captain Siya Kolisi was among those to pay homage to Hendricks on Thursday.
‘Rest in peace brother,’ Kolisi posted on Instagram Stories over a picture of Hendricks in national team kit.
