SA Rugby pays tribute to late dual-international star Cornal Hendricks

The news of Hendricks' death due to a heart attack on Wednesday evening has sent shockwaves through the local and international rugby community. In a heartfelt statement, Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, paid tribute to the dynamic wing and centre, remembering him as a man who played the game with passion, pride, and immense talent.

“Cornal was one of those players who loved the game and he worked extremely hard, but he always did so with a smile on his face, treating all people with respect,” said Alexander. “His energy and love of life, on and off the field, lifted his teammates and those around him.”

Hendricks carved a unique path in South African rugby, having represented the country in both sevens and fifteen-man formats. He earned 12 Test caps for the Springboks between 2014 and 2015, scoring five tries in the green and gold. Prior to that, he made his mark with the Blitzboks from 2011 to 2014, famously winning a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and representing South Africa at the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow.

In 2013, Hendricks was named the Springbok Sevens Player of the Year, a testament to his explosive pace, strong running lines, and finishing ability. His senior professional career began with the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers, and fittingly, it came full circle earlier this year when he played his final game for the same team in the SA Cup.

At the domestic level, Hendricks also enjoyed success with the Toyota Cheetahs and Vodacom Bulls. He was part of the Bulls teams that clinched the Carling Currie Cup titles in 2020 and 2021 and played a key role in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaigns.

Despite facing serious health challenges in the past—including a heart condition that temporarily halted his career—Hendricks made an inspiring return to top-level rugby. His comeback story resonated with many fans and players alike, cementing his status not only as a gifted athlete but also as a symbol of resilience and determination.

Across 17 years of professional rugby, Hendricks played a total of 233 first-class matches—a remarkable feat in an era of intense competition and physical demands.

“His contributions to the sport and his unwavering dedication will always be remembered,” said Alexander. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Stephaney and their children, his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations.”

The rugby world will remember Cornal Hendricks not just for his brilliance on the field, but for the warmth, humility, and joy he brought to the sport. Tributes from former teammates, coaches, fans, and sporting bodies continue to pour in on social media, reflecting the profound impact he made throughout his career.

As the South African rugby family grapples with this loss, Hendricks' memory will undoubtedly live on—inspiring young players to dream big, to fight back in the face of adversity, and to always play with heart.