The South African rugby community was deeply saddened by the passing of former dual-international Cornal Hendricks, who died on May 14, 2025, in Pretoria, at the age of 37, following a suspected heart attack.

Born on April 18, 1988, in Paarl, South Africa, Hendricks was a highly respected and celebrated player known for his resilience, infectious smile, and passion both on and off the field.

A Career of Distinction and Courage A formidable presence on the wing and later at inside centre, Hendricks's career was marked by significant achievements in both sevens and fifteen-man rugby:

Springboks (15s): He earned 12 Test caps for the Springboks in 2014 and 2015, scoring five tries.

Blitzboks (Sevens): He represented the Blitzboks from 2011 to 2014, where he was named Springbok Sevens Player of the Year for 2013 and was a key member of the squad that won a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow in 2014.

Club Career: His 17-year first-class career, which spanned 233 matches, began and ended with the Boland Cavaliers. He also played with distinction for the Toyota Cheetahs and the Vodacom Bulls, where he was capped 73 times and won two Currie Cup finals (2020 and 2021).

The Inspirational Comeback Hendricks's journey was one of remarkable courage. He was diagnosed with a serious heart condition in 2015, which led to a medically advised retirement. However, after receiving a second medical opinion, he made an inspiring comeback to professional rugby in 2019 with the Vodacom Bulls. This return showcased his unwavering spirit and dedication, as he turned his "second lease in professional rugby" into a story of hope and resilience that inspired his teammates and the broader South African community.

He was remembered by former teammates and coaches as an "iconic teammate," a "prolific gentleman," and "a fantastic role model" whose "energy and love of life... lifted his teammates and those around him."

Family and Legacy Cornal Hendricks is survived by his wife, Stephaney, and their two children. He was known to be deeply religious, crediting his faith for helping him overcome his health and emotional challenges. His legacy as a fighter with a big heart and a bigger smile will continue to inspire future generations in the sport.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire rugby community during this difficult time.