Cornal Hendricks, born on April 18, 1988, in Paarl, South Africa, became a prominent rugby union participant famed for his pace, resilience, and unwavering spirit. His profession, marked through massive achievements and ambitious demanding situations, serves as a long-lasting testimony to dedication and ardour in the international sport. Tragically, Hendricks passed away on May 14, 2025, at the age of 37, because of a suspected coronary heart attack .
Early Life and Rise in Rugby
Growing up in the Western Cape metropolis of Paarl, Hendricks started out his rugby adventure at Bergrivier High School in Wellington. His skills have become obtrusive early on, leading him to enroll in the Boland Cavaliers’ young people setup in 2007. By 2008, he had improved to the senior group, marking the start of an expert profession that might span over 17 years .
Club Career Highlights
Boland Cavaliers (2008–2012)
Hendricks made his expert debut with the Boland Cavaliers in 2008. Over 4 years, he has become a mainstay in the group, showcasing his prowess as a wing and inner centre. His performances laid the inspiration for his destiny successes .
Cheetahs (2014–2015)
In 2014, Hendricks joined the Cheetahs for the Super Rugby season. He made an instantaneous effect, scoring a strive on his debut in a slender 21–20 loss to the Lions. His tenure with the Cheetahs in addition solidified his popularity as a dynamic and dependable participant .
Bulls (2019–2024)
After overcoming massive fitness demanding situations, Hendricks signed with the Bulls in 2019. He performed a pivotal function in the group’s successes, which included triumphing the Currie Cup in 2020 and 2021. His management and enjoyment had been beneficial to the squad .
International Career
South Africa Sevens (2011–2014)
Hendricks represented South Africa in rugby sevens from 2011 to 2014. He became a part of the group that gained gold at the 2013 World Games and the 2014 Commonwealth Games, contributing considerably to the Blitzboks’ worldwide dominance in the course of that period .
Springboks (2014–2015)
Elevated to the countrywide group, Hendricks earned 12 caps for the Springboks among 2014 and 2015, scoring 5 tries. His debut came in the opposition to Wales on June 14, 2014, in Durban. His performances on the worldwide stage had been marked through agility, tactical awareness, and an unwavering dedication to the group’s success .
Overcoming Health Challenges
In 2016, Hendricks confronted a massive setback while identified with a severe coronary heart circumstance, leading to a transient retirement from expert rugby. Despite the demanding situations, he decided to go back to the game. After receiving clinical clearance in 2019, he made a super comeback with the Bulls, demonstrating resilience and a timeless ardour for the game .
What happened to Cornal Hendricks?
Cornal Hendricks, the previous South African rugby union participant, tragically passed away on May 14, 2025, at the age of 37 because of a coronary heart attack.
Hendricks had a prominent profession, earning 12 caps for the Springboks among 2014 and 2015, in the course of which he scored 5 tries. He additionally represented South Africa in rugby sevens from 2011 to 2014, contributing to the group’s gold medal victories on the 2013 World Games and the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
In 2016, Hendricks became identified with a severe coronary heart circumstance, leading to a transient retirement from expert rugby. Demonstrating super resilience, he made a hit go back to the game in 2019 with the Bulls after receiving clinical clearance. He persevered to play at an excessive stage till his retirement in 2024.
Tributes and Legacy
The rugby international has been united in mourning Hendricks’ passing. SA Rugby President Mark Alexander expressed deep sorrow, pointing out that Hendricks became a “super athlete who represented his u . s . in sevens and fifteen-guy rugby with distinction.” The Vodacom Bulls, wherein Hendricks spent a massive part of his profession, additionally paid tribute, highlighting his infectious power and determination to the game.
Legacy and Impact
Cornal Hendricks’ adventure from humble beginnings to worldwide rugby stardom is a tale of perseverance and inspiration. His cap potential to conquer non-public fitness demanding situations and go back to top-tier rugby serves as a beacon of desire for lots of athletes going through adversity. Beyond his on-zone achievements, Hendricks became recognized for his infectious positivity, management, and determination to mentoring younger players .
Cornal Hendricks Net worth
As of now, there aren’t any publicly available, confirmed reviews detailing Cornal Hendricks’ genuine internet worth. While particular figures aren’t disclosed, it is recognized that Hendricks had a prominent rugby profession spanning over 17 years, in the course of which he performed for diverse golf equipment and represented South Africa at each the 15s and sevens formats.
His profits might have stemmed from contracts with groups inclusive of the Boland Cavaliers, Free State Cheetahs, Stormers, Toulon, and the Bulls, in addition to endorsements and sponsorships related to his worldwide appearances.
Final Thoughts
Cornal Hendricks’ existence and profession encapsulate the spirit of resilience and determination. His contributions to South African rugby, each as a participant and a mentor, have left an indelible mark on the game. As the rugby network mourns his premature passing, his legacy continues to encourage cutting-edge and destiny generations of players.
FAQs
What had been Cornal Hendricks’ essential achievements in rugby?
Hendricks had a prominent profession, earning 12 caps for the Springboks and scoring 5 tries. He became a part of the South Africa Sevens group that gained gold at the 2013 World Games and the 2014 Commonwealth Games. At the membership stage, he contributed to the Bulls’ Currie Cup victories in 2020 and 2021 .
How did Hendricks triumph over his coronary heart circumstance to go back to expert rugby?
After being identified with a severe coronary heart circumstance in 2016, Hendricks took a hiatus from expert rugby. Through dedication and after receiving clinical clearance in 2019, he made a hit to go back to the game with the Bulls .
What positions did Cornal Hendricks play?
Hendricks become flexible at the area, generally gambling as a wing and inner centre. His pace and agility made him a powerful opponent in each position .
What effect did Hendricks have off the field?
Beyond his athletic prowess, Hendricks was known for his leadership and mentorship. He was actively involved in community initiatives and served as a role model for aspiring rugby players .
To read more, click here
