South African rugby is in mourning following the sudden death of former national winger Cornal Hendricks, who passed away at the age of 37 after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday.
Hendricks, who had a career marked by both brilliance and resilience, wore the Springboks jersey 12 times and scored five tries during his international run. He initially debuted for the South African national team in 2014 in a Test match against Wales.
Before his time in 15s, Hendricks had already made a name for himself in rugby sevens. Representing the Blitzboks from 2011 to 2014, he competed in the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens and helped his team secure gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
In a career that spanned 17 years and included 233 first-class appearances, Hendricks experienced a major setback in 2015 when he was forced into early retirement after being diagnosed with a heart condition. That retirement, however, proved temporary.
Following a second medical evaluation, Hendricks made an inspiring return to professional rugby in 2019, signing with the Bulls—a Pretoria-based team competing in Super Rugby. His comeback quickly became one of the sport’s most uplifting stories, as he made the most of his second chance on the pitch.
His passing has left a deep void in South Africa’s rugby community. Fellow players, coaches, and fans alike have been sharing their grief and tributes, remembering him not just for his skill on the field, but also for his character, positivity, and the hope he represented.
Cornal Hendricks’ legacy, marked by perseverance and passion, will remain a lasting chapter in the history of South African rugby.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
