Cornal Hendricks remembered: the smile, the fighter, the giant heart

FORMER Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has warmly summed up how his former teammate Cornal Hendricks should be remembered, by recalling the charismatic centre’s manner of celebrating a try.

“Cornal would point a finger to the heavens and beam a smile that was just wonderful, and we joined the celebrations wholeheartedly. It was so infectious,” De Villiers said of the 37-year-old, who died of a heart attack on Wednesday night.

Hendricks had, for some time, nursed a heart condition that temporarily suspended a playing career which included 15 Tests for South Africa and tenures with the Cheetahs and the Bulls.

He halted his career for a period but made a successful comeback with the Bulls, and only recently stopped playing for Boland — the province of his roots.

De Villiers said: “From grassroots club rugby to the Springbok jersey, Cornal gave his all.

“Cornal was a teammate, but more than that, he was a brother. He was down-to-earth, humble, and had the biggest heart. That’s how we all knew him. He had this incredible energy that filled every room and lifted everyone around him.

“His journey was never easy, but he faced every challenge with courage and faith. He carried himself with humility, always putting others first, always showing up with a smile. He gave so much to the game and even more to the people in it. His loss is heartbreaking. We’ve lost a giant of a human being, and he will be missed deeply — not just as a rugby player, but as a friend, a leader, and a light in our rugby family.”

De Villiers extended his condolences to Hendricks’s wife, Stephaney, their children, his family and friends, and the Boland and Bulls rugby communities.

Cornal’s legacy will live on — not only in the rugby world, but in every life he touched.

His former Cheetahs teammate, Oupa Mohoje, said: “The bereavement of Cornal came as a massive shock to all of us — a person who truly energised the room with positive energy wherever he was. He will be missed. Condolences to his family. May they be strong during this time.”

Deon Davids, Springbok assistant coach and former Boland Cavaliers coach, added: “During my time at Boland, with Louis Koen as my assistant, it was brought to our attention that a young man showed tremendous potential. He had just finished school and was part of the Boland Under-19 group.

“After watching one of his games, we invited him to the broader Cavaliers squad. Three weeks later, he was starting and taking his first steps into professional rugby. He impressed me with his character, skill, and work ethic. 

Even when his career was put on hold, his perseverance, faith in God, and gratitude remained unwavering. Cornal’s journey reminded us all how to treasure your talent, overcome adversity, and live a life of service. 

It was a privilege to be part of your rugby journey. May your dear soul rest in peace.”