Tributes pour in for dedicated Bok ‘with a smile’
Messages of support and condolences have poured in from the rugby world for former Springbok winger Cornal Hendricks, who died of a heart attack on Wednesday.
SARU president Mark Alexander paid tribute to Hendricks, who played 12 Tests (scoring five tries) and won a Commonwealth Games gold medal with the South African sevens team in Glasgow in 2014. He was 37.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Cornal Hendricks, a remarkable athlete who represented his country in sevens and fifteen-man rugby with distinction,” said Alexander.
“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. His energy and love of life, on and off the field, lifted his teammates and those around him.
“His contributions to the sport and his unwavering dedication will always be remembered. 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.”
Hendricks featured prominently for the Boks in 2014 and 2015, after first representing the Blitzboks between 2011 and 2014. He was also a member of the Rugby World Cup Sevens squad in Moscow in 2013.
Hendricks, who was named Springbok Sevens Player of the Year for 2013, made his professional debut with Boland, where his career ended after his last game for the Kavaliers in the SA Cup earlier this year.
He also represented the Cheetahs and Vodacom Bulls in Super Rugby and the URC, and won back-to-back Currie Cups with the Herd in 2020 and 2021.
Hendricks played one non-Test match for Boks (against a Qorld XV side in 2014) and ran out in the colours of the SA ‘A’ team over the course of a 233 first-class match career that spanned 17 years.
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
Free State Rugby mourns the loss of an ex-Toyota Cheetah player, Cornal Hendricks.
Our condolences to his family and friends
— Toyota Cheetahs (@CheetahsRugby) May 15, 2025
You will be missed my brother! Fly high
— Jesse Kriel (@JesseKriel15) May 15, 2025
Rest in perfect peace Cornal Hendricks, you have made your mark by inspiring many. Death be not proud
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) May 15, 2025
🥹
Rest in perfect peace Cornal Hendricks, you have made your mark by inspiring many. Death be not proud
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) May 15, 2025
Rest in perfect peace Cornal Hendricks, you have made your mark by inspiring many. Death be not proud
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) 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
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) 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
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 15, 2025
From everyone at the Lions, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Cornal Hendricks.
A talented athlete, a fierce competitor, and a respected figure in our rugby community.
His contribution to the game will not be forgotten.Rest in peace,… pic.twitter.com/dwAJ3XOLaS
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) 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
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 15, 2025
Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
The post Tributes pour in for dedicated Bok ‘with a smile’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.