SA Rugby tribute to Cornal Hendricks: 'A remarkable athlete'
Apart from playing in 12 Tests for the Springboks in 2014 and 2015, Cornal Hendricks also represented the Blitzboks between 2011 and 2014, with whom he won a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow in 2014.
He was also a member of the Rugby World Cup Sevens squad in Moscow in 2013.
'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 SA Rugby president 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.
Apart from his 12 Tests, in which he scored five tries, Hendricks played one non-Test match for Boks and also ran out in the colours of the SA 'A' team. In total, Hendricks played 233 first-class matches in a career spanning 17 years.
'His contributions to the sport and his unwavering dedication will always be remembered,' Alexander added. '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.'
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Ntokozo Makhaza: I got a call from an unknown number
Ntokozo Makhaza stands on the brink of history, after receiving a maiden Springbok call up last week. Makhaza first made headlines when he was first named in the second alignment camp squad by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus. Often known for his 'genius' rugby ideas and strategies, Erasmus pulled another one out of the hat with Makhaza. The 2x World Cup winning mentor had done something similar before. This time last year, he called up former NWU Pukke Varsity Cup winning captain Sampie Swiegers . Starring at what was looking like a brewing tighthead prop crisis, Eramsus turned to the burly star for cover. But in the end, it was just for cover. But with Makhaza, while many were expecting a similar situation, it proved different. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika 's Yolulwe Qoshe in Durban, he describes how he found out about his Springbok alignment camp call. 'I think I was overjoyed. I obviously, initially got the text from my coach, like two days before we won the Varsity Cup (with UCT Ikeys). Him telling me that, Rassie Erasmus asked for my number, at first I thought he was joking. Only for him to say no, he is being honest and telling the truth. And then from then on I was just overjoyed. I think everyday for a month after that, I was expecting that call from him, which I didn't get.' Makhaza recalls. Makhaza then remembers the moment things seemed to change in his favour, with that Springbok call finally coming! ' Until this one morning, I got a call from an unknown number, picked it up and it was Rassie (Erasmus). In that moment, I don't remember half the conversation, I was just overjoyed! But it's also very inspiring, to have someone like him looking at Varsity rugby, a 2x World Cup winner. Sees something in me' Makhaza continued. Makhaza relieves the moment he walked into the alignment camp, wearing the same Springbok tracksuit as some World Cup winners. ' I felt humbled and honoured I was like, 'is this really me? Being in the presence of all these players who have made a name for themselves in rugby. World Cup winners like Siya Kolisi. I mean, I even remember the people I was sitting around. In front of me was (Damian) Willemse, to his right was Kolisi, to his right was (Eben) Etzebeth, behind me was (Lukhanyo) Am, (Aphelele) Fassi, Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi' recalled Makhaza about being in the presence of experienced Springboks. 'In that moment I tried to pinch myself, I look down, I was wearing a Springbok top and I was like, is this really me, being in this environment. But it was a very welcoming experience. I never felt left out in anyway. That's just credit to the culture that they have and it made me want to be a part of it more' Makhaza continued. The 23-year-old Bethlehem-born star could be set for a historic feat. This by becoming the first player to be capped by the Springboks before playing a professional game. Makhaza says achieving that would mean the world to himself and his family. 'It would probably feel unreal at that moment but, it would be a testament to what people have done for me. The support that they've given me, my parents, my coaches, teammates, teachers and all my mentors along the way. So if I was to ever make that team it would be testament to their hard work, not just mine.' He concluded. Watch the video below: Makhaza's first opportunity for a Springbok debut will be against the Barbarians on the 28th of June. Should Erasmus give the Varsity Cup's top points scorer of all time a debut? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
10 hours ago
- The South African
Springbok fans urged to act fast for tickets
The Springboks are heading ever closer to their season-opener against the Barbarians on 28 June, as well as the July Tests against Italy and Georgia in July. All these games are expected to be close to sold out, but it's undoubtedly the tickets for the Springboks' home matches in their defence of the Rugby Championship title that will be snapped up in no time. These tickets go on sale on Friday, 13 June at 09:00, and SA Rugby has urged supporters to act fast to avoid disappointment and to be in the virtual queue on Ticketmaster soon as they can. Tickets are priced from R525 for the two Wallabies Tests at Ellis Park in Johannesburg (16 August) and the DHL Stadium in Cape Town (23 August). For the clash against Argentina at Kings Park in Durban in the penultimate round of the competition on 27 September, the cheapest tickets are R250. Fans are advised that Ticketmaster is the only official ticket outlet. SA Rugby also urgently warned fans not to buy from any other source. You can go to the official Springboks website here for all ticket purchasing links 28 June: vs Barbarians, DHL Stadium, Cape Town. Kick off: 17:05. 5 July: vs Italy, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria. Kick off: 17:10. 12 July: vs Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha. Kick off: 17:10. 19 July: vs Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit. Kick off: 17:10. 16 August: vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg. Kick off: 17:10. 23 August: vs Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town. Kick off: 17:10. 6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland. Kick off: 09:05. 13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington. Kick off: 09:05. 27 September: vs Argentina, Kings Park, Durban. Kick off: 17:10. 4 October: vs Argentina, London. Kick off: 15:00. 8 November: vs France, Paris. Kick off: TBD. 15 November: vs Italy, Turin. Kick off: TBD. 22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin. Kick off: 19:40. 29 November: vs Wales, Cardiff. Kick off: 17:10. *SA Rugby are working on adding two more Tests for the Springboks, likely to be against Japan and Portug Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men's game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October. Ticket sales Tickets are on sale via and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s. (*booking fees apply)
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
OPINION: Will 2025 see a changing of the guard for the Springboks?
Will this year be a turning point in terms of playing personnel for the world champions from 2019 and 2023? With just over two years to go to the next Rugby World Cup, it looks like there could be some big changes in the Springboks' playing personnel this season. Coach Rassie Erasmus tested the waters in 2024, using 51 different players, including handing debuts to 12 men, and he's set to do something similar this year when you consider he has 54 players in a training camp right now, nine of whom are uncapped at Test level. Playing against teams like the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia in the early part of this season gives Erasmus an opportunity to see who fits into his structures and then later on in the Rugby Championship and November tour of Europe he can further test some players. Erasmus is then likely to settle on a World Cup squad of maybe 30 to 40 players for the 2026 season which will build into the World Cup year, 2027. Big decisions Several big selection calls will thus be made this year, especially with so many of the 2019 and 2023 World Cup winners hitting their mid-30s. Already Duane Vermeulen has retired, and so, too, Steven Kitshoff, while it is doubtful if Willie le Roux will make it to 2027. There will surely also be question marks about the fitness of men such as Frans Malherbe and Eben Etzebeth, who have had big setbacks in recent times. Erasmus will have some big decisions to make in the coming months because several young players, and those who've been on the fringes of the Test team, are now really pushing hard for recognition at a higher level … and if the Bok boss opts to back them for the next World Cup he'll want them to play regularly between now and the tournament in Australia, to get as much experience as possible. Here one thinks of the likes of Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Edwill van der Merwe, and all the rookies, among them Ethan Hooker, Marnus van der Merwe, Juarno Augustus and Cobus Wiese. There's so much talent and depth in Erasmus' current squad that picking a strong match-23 for now isn't a problem. The issue is who to back for the 2027 World Cup. This season might give us an indication who those players will be.
