Latest news with #EdgarRathbone
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Former South Africa rugby star, 37, dies of a heart attack - six years after miraculous return to the sport after serious medical condition diagnosis
South Africa rugby star Cornal Hendricks has died at the age of 37 after the former professional is thought to have suffered a heart attack on Wednesday evening. The ex-Springboks back was competing professionally until just last year for his club side the Bulls, with Hendricks playing his final match versus Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup quarter-finals in 2024. The club's chief executive Edgar Rathbone shared a poignant statement in tribute to his former player on Thursday, describing why Hendricks had been such an 'iconic team-mate' to those who had played with him. 'We are deeply saddened and still trying to come to terms with the passing of Cornal, a loved member of the Loftus family who was more than a talented player,' Rathbone said. 'He knew how to deliver just about the right dose of energy to help lift a room, he was an iconic team-mate, a friend for many seasons, and an inspirational figure in the locker room. 'A brother, a son and an inspiration to both the old and young. A man with such an infectious smile that brightened our world, and above all, we knew Cornal as a proud dad to his young kids.' 'We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, his wife, children and everyone else who is affected by his untimely and tragic death. A special player who defied all the odds and became our inspiration for everyone, may he rest in perfect peace.' Before joining the Bulls in 2019, Hendricks featured for the Cheetahs for the 2014-15 season, after starting his career at Boland Cavaliers in 2008. But a tipped move to Western Province and the Stormers in 2016 was mooted after Hendricks was diagnosed with a serious heart condition that saw doctors advising the then-player to quit rugby altogether. In a miraculous return to the pitch in 2019, Hendricks helped the Pretoria side to a revival period under Jack White, with the director of rugby describing his second act as 'remarkable'. 'We all witnessed him leave no stone unturned as he inspired his team-mates and the South African community through his story of hope and courage,' White said after Hendricks' passing. 'It was a privilege and honour to have been his coach, a fantastic role model for the next generation and his appetite for life was infectious. Rugby has lost one of the good ones.' Hendricks was also a standout for his national Sevens team, earning gold medals at the World Games in 2013 and the Commonwealth Games in 2014. The player featured 12 times for the Springboks, and their captain Siya Kolisi was among those to pay homage to Hendricks on Thursday.
The South African
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Bulls tribute to Cornal Hendricks: "Rest in perfect peace"
The Bulls company has spoken out at the devastation within the franchise following the passing of Cornal Hendricks, a loved and celebrated former player, at the age of 37. The Paarl native was a 12-time capped Springbok, with 73 caps for the Pretoria-based franchise between the 2018/19 and 2023/24 seasons, before he returned to his homeland, Boland, for his career swansong. That new lease on his professional rugby life in 2019 came years after he acted on the medical advice of doctors and retired prematurely due to serious heart ailments. Blue Bulls Company Chief Executive, Edgar Rathbone, says Cornal Hendricks was a special player who will be dearly missed. 'We are deeply saddened and still trying to come to terms with the passing of Cornal, a loved member of the Loftus family who was more than a talented player. He knew how to deliver just about the right dose of energy to help lift a room, he was an iconic teammate, a friend for many seasons, and an inspirational figure in the locker room,' 'A brother, a son and an inspiration to both the old and young. A man with such an infectious smile that brightened our world, and above all, we knew Cornal Hendricks as a proud dad to his young kids.' 'We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, his wife, children and everyone else who is affected by his untimely and tragic death. A special player who defied all the odds and became our inspiration for everyone, may he rest in perfect peace.' 'Cornal Hendricks will be remembered for his outlandish dance moves and love for laughter. A prolific gentleman on and off the field who will be dearly missed by all.' Bulls director of rugby Jake White echoed Rathbone's sentiments about the life and death of Cornal Hendricks. 'Many people were shocked and sad when his career was cut short in 2015,' White said. 'When we had the opportunity to get him back on the park, he took that with open arms and made a remarkable use of his second lease in professional rugby. We all witnessed him leave no stone unturned as he inspired his teammates and the South African community through his story of hope and courage,' he adds. 'It was a privilege and honour to have been his coach, a fantastic role model for the next generation and his appetite for life was infectious. Rugby has lost one of the good ones today. 'Everyone's thoughts at the club are with Cornal Hendricks' family, friends and his peers during this incredibly difficult time.' 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.
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Former Springboks wing Cornal Hendricks dies aged 37
Former Springboks wing Cornal Hendricks has died at the age of 37 after reportedly suffering a heart attack. Hendricks was capped 12 times by South Africa in 2014 and 2015, and also represented the nation in sevens at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. His career was halted by a heart condition in 2016, scuppering a move to Top 14 club Toulon, but the back returned to action after receiving a second medical opinion. He played at the elite level for five more seasons with the Bulls, winning two Currie Cups in South Africa, before returning to Boland last year to attempt to qualify his local side for the competition. 'The Vodacom Bulls are deeply saddened by the passing of Cornal Hendricks, aged 37,' his former club said in a statement. '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 called him a cherished teammate and inspirational figure, while rugby director Jake White praised his resilience and influence, especially after overcoming an early career setback. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.' Springboks star Jesse Kriel, a former club and country teammate, also paid tribute on social media: 'You will be missed my brother! Fly high.'
Associated Press
16-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
TCL Announces Vodacom Bulls Partnership, Uniting Technology and Sport
JOHANNESBURG, ZA / ACCESS Newswire / February 15, 2025 / TCL Electronics, a global leader in consumer technology and the world's No. 2 TV brand, proudly announces its partnership with the Vodacom Bulls, one of South Africa's most successful rugby teams. This collaboration marks an exciting step for TCL in expanding its presence in sports, further connecting fans with the game through cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences. As an official associate sponsor, TCL aims to enhance engagement for Vodacom Bulls supporters in South Africa and beyond, reinforcing its mission to Inspire Greatness. The partnership will provide fans with exclusive content, interactive experiences, and exciting promotions across TCL's range of premium TVs, soundbars, air conditioners, and home appliances. Supporters will also have the opportunity to participate in competitions and games with the lucky winners receiving official Vodacom Bulls gifts and merchandise. TCL will also invite its customers to watch live matches at Loftus Versveld Stadium as well as meet and greets with current players. Mike Chen, General Manager of TCL South Africa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: 'We are thrilled to join forces with the Vodacom Bulls, a franchise that embodies excellence, passion, and resilience values that align with TCL's commitment to innovation and progression. This partnership strengthens our connection with South African sports fans while bringing our advanced technology to enhance their viewing experiences. We look forward to engaging with supporters across Africa who share a deep love for rugby.' Edgar Rathbone, CEO of BBCo, welcomed TCL to the Bulls family: 'We are excited to partner with TCL, a brand that continuously pushes technological boundaries to enhance the way fans experience entertainment and sport. As a team committed to innovation both on and off the field, we see great synergy with TCL's vision. This partnership is not just about branding it's about enhancing the way rugby is experienced, from the stadium to the living room.' Where Technology Meets the Thrill of Rugby TCL understands the power of live sport the thrill, the camaraderie, and the emotions that unite fans across the globe. With XL screens up to 115" QD Mini LED TV, TCL ensures that fans never miss a moment of the action, delivering immersive, stadium-like viewing experiences that bring the game to life. As part of this exciting partnership, the TCL brand will now feature on all Vodacom Bulls Senior Men's and Junior team kits, cementing its presence in one of club rugby's most iconic franchises. With this powerful synergy between technology and sport, TCL and the Vodacom Bulls are set to redefine how fans engage with rugby both in the stadium and at home. About TCL Electronics TCL Electronics ( is a leading consumer electronics brand and leader in the global television industry. TCL now operates in more than 160 markets around the world. The company specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of consumer electronics products ranging from TVs, audio, home appliances, mobile devices, smart glasses, commercial displays, and more. Visit the TCL website at BOUT BLUE BULLS RUGBY COMPANY The Blue Bulls Company (BBCo.) is the parent company to professional men's and women's rugby teams, the Vodacom Bulls senior and junior teams and the Bulls Daisies. The Vodacom Bulls are a proudly South African franchise, based in Pretoria - was founded in 1938 as the Northern Transvaal Rugby Union. To date, the franchise is the most successful South African side in the history of the Vodacom Super Rugby competition, boasting four victorious finals appearances since the tournament's inception in 1996. The franchise has also amassed 25 historic Currie Cup trophies, making it one of the most successful domestic teams. Since 2021, the franchise has been competing in the cross- hemisphere annual competition, the Vodacom United Rugby Championship; and from the 2022/23 season, the Vodacom Bulls participate in the Investec Champions Cup. In 2023, the BBCo. launched the first-ever professional rugby women's team in South Africa, the Bulls Daisies, who went on to set an unprecedented unbeaten record as they won the league in the same year. The Daisies subsequently defended their title in 2024 and are currently pursuing a threepeat in 2025. The Blue Bulls Rugby Union - an affiliate of the South African Rugby Union - administers amateur aspects of rugby in the Gauteng North region, for men, and women. These include all the schools, clubs, referees, associations and coaches, all affiliated to the BBRU and this community currently sits at 78 000 current active members, including the renowned Bulletjies community of primary school-going kids.
