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The SA rugby community was shocked and saddened to hear the news of the passing of Cornal Hendricks.
Former Springbok wing Cornal Hendricks has died at the age of 37. According to SA Rugby, he passed away due to a heart attack on Wednesday evening.
Hendricks made his Test debut in 2014 and went on to earn 12 caps for the Springboks, scoring five tries.
The SA rugby community was shocked and saddened to hear the news of the passing of Cornal Hendricks and Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, paid tribute to the former dual-international who wore the green and gold with distinction – more here: 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/bieJSvmh2D
— Springboks (@Springboks) May 15, 2025
Remembering Cornal Hendricks’ incredible 2014 season with the Springboks 🇿🇦
He scored five tries that year, including an iconic score in Wellington.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Cornal ♥️ pic.twitter.com/QFmyPVow8a
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 15, 2025
Domestically, he represented Boland, the Cheetahs and the Bulls.
The Vodacom Bulls are deeply saddened by the passing of Cornal Hendricks, aged 37. A 12-time capped Springbok and key player for the Vodacom Bulls from 2018 to 2023, Cornal was known for his passion, energy, and infectious smile both on and off the field.
CEO Edgar Rathbone… pic.twitter.com/4luafVgQg4
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) May 15, 2025
In 2016. Hendricks signed a two-year deal with Western Province and the Stormers before being diagnosed with a serious heart condition that prevented him from playing.
In 2019, Hendricks’ improved health saw him make a comeback with the Bulls, where he earned 115 caps and scored 34 tries across all competitions during a five-year stay.
The Blue Bulls have expressed their condolences to his family.
You will be missed my brother! Fly high 🕊️💔 @CornalHendricks pic.twitter.com/JpNpbZsi3c
— Jesse Kriel (@JesseKriel15) May 15, 2025
Cornal supporters @francisaac87 wrote on X: Life isn’t fair most of the time, but that didn’t stop Cornal Hendricks from keep going. He refused to give up whenever a new obstacle arose and went as far to become a Springbok, a Bulls, a fan favourite and a guiding light for others. May his legacy live on.
Sport Journalist @JohnGoliath82 wrote on X Go well Cornal … your light shone bright.
The Vodacom Bulls have paid tribute to former Springbok winger Cornal Hendricks, who died on Wednesday night at the age of 37.
✍🏽 SABC Sport’s @LonwaboNkohla #SABCSportRugby
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) May 15, 2025
