Article by David Istrate – published Thursday, May 15, 2025, 23:35 / Updated Thursday, May 15, 2025 23:38
Cornal Hendricks, a former member of the South Africa rugby team and gold medal at Commonwealth games, died on Wednesday, May 14, at the age of 37, following a heart attack.
The world of rugby is in mourning after the death of Cornal Hendricks, a rugby player who has evolved for Boland Cavaliers, Cheetahs, Free State Cheetahs, Bulls and Blue Bulls. He died because of a heart attack, after having confronted such problems throughout his career.
Homage for Cornal Hendricks: “He inspired his teammates and the South African community”
In 2015, Hendricks had to withdraw temporarily from sports, due to cardiac problems. After a 4-year break, the South African returned to rugby and signed with Bulls, a team from Pretoria.
“Cornal was one of those players who loved the sport and worked extremely, but he did this with a smile on his lips, treating all the people with respect. His energy and love for life, both on the ground and outside him, encouraged his teammates and those around him. Contributions to sport and dedication to unstoppable will always be remembered“Said Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Federation, quoted by BBC Sport.
“Many people were shocked and sad when his career was shortened in 2015. When I had the opportunity to bring him back to the field, he embraced the idea and used remarkably the second part of his career as a professional rugby player.
We were all witnesses that he did not leave any unexplored opportunity as he inspired his teammates and the South African community through his story related to hope and courage. Rugby lost one of the good“Added Jack White, director of the rugby bulls team.
In 2014, at Glasgow, Cornal Hendricks was part of the South Africa rugby team that won the Commonwealth games.
