By Kevin Rademeyer.
The South African rugby community is in mourning following the sudden passing of Cornal Hendricks, who died of a heart attack on Wednesday evening at the age of 37.
Born in Paarl, Hendricks was a gifted and versatile backline player who excelled in both the sevens and fifteen-a-side formats of the game. He earned 12 Test caps for the Springboks between 2014 and 2015, scoring five tries, and also represented South Africa in sevens between 2011 and 2014. He was part of the Blitzboks squad that won the gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and featured at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow in 2013. His efforts were recognised when he was named Springbok Sevens Player of the Year in 2013.
Hendricks began his professional career with the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers, and fittingly concluded his playing days with the same team earlier this year in the SA Cup. Over the course of a 17-year career, he made 233 first-class appearances, also turning out for the Toyota Cheetahs and the Vodacom Bulls in Super Rugby and the United Rugby Championship. With the Bulls, he was a key figure in their Carling Currie Cup victories in 2020 and 2021 and earned 73 caps between 2018 and 2024. Originally a dynamic winger, Hendricks successfully transitioned into a powerful centre later in his career.
Vodacom Bulls Chief Executive, Edgar Rathbone, paid tribute to Hendricks, describing him as “more than a talented player”. “Cornal was a vibrant presence at Loftus Versfeld. His energy, infectious smile, and humility made him a cherished teammate and a beloved member of our rugby family. He was a proud father, a friend, and an inspiration to many,” said Rathbone.
Director of Rugby Jake White, who coached Hendricks at the Bulls, recalled the player’s remarkable return to the professional game after a heart condition had forced an earlier hiatus from rugby in 2015. “When the opportunity came for him to return, he embraced it fully and used his second chance to inspire those around him. It was a privilege to coach Cornal — his courage and love for the game were infectious. Rugby has lost one of the genuinely good men,” said White.
SA Rugby President Mr Mark Alexander also extended his condolences, remembering Hendricks as a dedicated servant of South African rugby. “Cornal represented his country with distinction in both sevens and fifteens. He played the game with passion and worked tirelessly, always with a smile on his face and a deep respect for others. His contribution to the sport and the values he embodied will not be forgotten,” said Alexander.
Hendricks is survived by his wife Stephaney and their children. Tributes have poured in from across the rugby world for a player admired not only for his on-field talent, but also for his character, humility, and zest for life.
A true gentleman of the game, Cornal Hendricks’ legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the inspiration he offered. His death is a profound loss to South African rugby.