Springbok hero Cornal Hendricks dies at 37 after battling with heart condition

The South African rugby community is in mourning after learning of the sudden passing of the dynamic back. Hendricks was a celebrated figure, known for his electrifying pace and skill. He proudly represented the Springboks in 12 Test matches between 2014 and 2015. His contributions to the Blitzboks, South Africa's sevens team, were equally significant, featuring from 2011 to 2014. A highlight of his sevens career was securing a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow in 2014, and he was also part of the Rugby World Cup Sevens squad in Moscow in 2013.

Hendricks' career was marked by an inspiring fight against adversity. He was diagnosed with a serious heart condition that initially forced him into an early retirement from the sport in 2016 at the young age of 27. This diagnosis had previously thwarted potential moves to prominent clubs such as the Stormers in South Africa and French giants Toulon.

However, demonstrating immense determination, Hendricks sought a second medical opinion and made a remarkable return to elite-level rugby in 2019, signing for the Bulls. During this successful second chapter of his professional career, he won two Currie Cup titles, further cementing his legacy in South African rugby. He continued to play for the Bulls until 2024, before making a heartfelt return to his local side, Boland, last year in an effort to help them qualify for the prestigious domestic competition.

A statement from South Africa Rugby expressed the profound shock and sadness felt throughout the nation, acknowledging Hendricks' significant contributions on the field and his inspiring perseverance off it.