Heartbreak in South African Rugby: Cornal Hendricks Passes Away at 37
Who was Cornal Hendricks?
Cornal Hendricks (18 April 1988 - 14 May 2025) was a well-known South African Rugby Union player for the Bulls in the Super Rugby competition, as well as the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup tournament and the Blue Bulls XV in the Rugby Challenge tournament. Hendricks' usual position was on the wing. He unfortunately passed away on the 14th of May 2025 due to a suspected heart attack.
Career Path
Boland Cavaliers
Hendricks played for his local team, the Boland Cavaliers, in his youth career in many competitions and made his way to the first team.
Hendricks debuted for the Boland first team against the Free State Cheetahs during the Currie Cup Premier Division season in 2008. He retained his position in the first team for a period of five seasons.
Cheetahs/ Free State Cheetahs
Hendricks signed a contract with the Free State Cheetahs for the 2014 season, after a previous agreement to join for the 2013 season; however, he could not play the 2013 season because of his commitments to the South Africa Sevens. Hendricks was involved in the Cheetahs squad for the 2014 Super Rugby season and debuted as well as scoring a try in a 21-20 defeat to the Lions in Bloemfontein.
Stormers/ Western Province
Hendricks made his return to the Western Cape for the 2016 season, signing a two-year contract with Western Province and the Stormers. However, he had been diagnosed with a serious heart condition and was unable to make any appearances.
Toulon
In December 2016, French Top 14 side Toulon announced the signing of Hendricks for the 2016-2017 season. However, a few weeks after his deal was announced, Toulon stated Hendricks would not be joining the team.
Representative Rugby
Hendricks was a member of the South African Sevens team during the 2011 - 12 as well as 2012 - 13 IRB Sevens World Series. In 2013, he was included in the team for the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament. In May 2014, Hendricks was one of eight uncapped players selected for a Springbok training camp before the 2014 mid-year rugby union tests. Hendricks made his Springbok debut on 14 June 2014 against Wales in Durban.
Career Achievements
- 2020-2021 Currie Cup Player of the Year
- 2021 Pro14 Rainbow Cup runner-up
- 2020-2021 Currie Cup winner
- 2021-2022 United Rugby Championship runner-up