Latest news with #RosesUnited
eNCA
24-05-2025
- Sport
- eNCA
Wellington derby remembers Cornal Hendricks
WELLINGTON, WC - Since the news of his untimely passing, the South African rugby community has rallied to remember Cornal Hendricks. The latest show of respect for the winger is a Wellington rugby derby between Roses United and Newtons at Boland Rugby Stadium. Hendricks played for the Roses first team while in matric at Hoerskool Bergrivier and his former club will be hoping to honour him in the best way possible.
IOL News
17-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Cornal Hendricks: a legacy beyond rugby and a hero to Wellington
Rugby legend Cornal Hendricks is not only mourned for his contributions to international rugby but also for his relentless dedication to uplifting his community. Image: Johan Rynners Photography Cornal Hendricks, remembered for his infectious smile and exceptional sidestepping ability on the rugby field, left behind a profound legacy that transcends the sport he loved. The celebrated Springbok star, who passed away this week at the age of 37, is not only mourned for his contributions to international rugby but also for his relentless dedication to uplifting his community and breaking down barriers for those who shared his struggles. Born in the disadvantaged community of Wellington, Hendricks faced formidable challenges from a young age. Diagnosed with a serious heart condition, Hendricks was told to retire after only 12 Tests for the Springboks, in which he scored five tries. He also represented the Blitzboks between 2011 and 2014, winning a Commonwealth Games gold with the side. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Cornal Hendricks, 37, suffered a suspected heart attack on Wednesday, 10 years after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition. Image: Ryan Hiscott, INPHO, Shutterstock via BackpagePix Many teams were wary of the risk involved in signing him, casting him into uncertainty. However, his community club, Roses United, embraced him and provided a lifeline, allowing him to play again. Affectionately known as 'Langtoon' by his wife, Stephaney, and his teams, he had a larger-than-life personality, but he was more than just a rugby player. He was a beacon of hope for his community, embodying the spirit of resilience and the drive to uplift those around him. Today, his boyhood club, Roses United, the team who gave him a chance to play rugby again back in 2017, will honour him during their Boland club rugby match against neighbours Villagers Newton. They've decided to retire the number 14 jersey for the rest of the season, and it will be handed over to his mother Rachel or his wife ahead of the game. 'There is a sombre mood in the community of Wellington,' Herman Bailey, chairperson of Roses United, told the Weekend Argus. 'You can feel it, it's palpable. Cornal was the golden boy of Wellington, and what he did for the community will echo for ages. We experienced something with Cornal that you probably won't see anywhere else in the world. As a son of Wellington, he returned to plough back into the club and community. 'He was the epitome of what it means to work hard and never give up. How to be disciplined despite your circumstances. So, it was amazing to get him back into our club. Not just as an advisor, but he played rugby with some of the guys.' Bailey remembered fondly how Hendricks drove all the way up to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) for a training session with the Kings, but after being told they wouldn't take him on, the Bok winger drove back to Wellington to get to the Thursday training of Roses so that he could be selected for the club finals that Saturday. Roses went on to become Boland champions that season. 'Cornal was, for a lack of a better word, in a dark hole then in terms of his career. But, to come back and make a positive impact on our club, rugby community and the town, that was great. It is memories that will stay with us forever." His 17-year rugby journey began and ended in Wellington with his beloved Cavaliers, a full-circle moment for him, Boland, and the wider community. Quintin van Rooyen, CEO of Boland Rugby, said Hendricks was more than just a phenomenal rugby player. 'He was a man of integrity, courage, and commitment. His journey back to his roots at Boland symbolised who he was; someone who never forgot where he came from and always gave back. His legacy within Boland Rugby will continue to inspire future generations. Our hearts are broken, but we are deeply grateful for our time with him. Decorated Springbok Bryan Habana was part of a plethora of national and provincial players who paid tribute to Hendricks. 'Still struggling to find the words or come to terms with this…', Habana wrote on his Facebook page. 'Absolutely heartbroken to wake up to news that still seems unreal. A true warrior on the field, but an even bigger inspiration off it. His energy lit up the room when he entered and his zest for life was infectious. 'Cornal's journey reminds us all that resilience isn't just a trait, it's a way of life. From setbacks to stunning comebacks, from humble beginnings to the world's biggest stage. Every team he represented he did so with pride, passion, purpose and an unwavering desire to positively contribute.' Details of his funeral and memorial service(s) will be confirmed and shared in due course by the family. Weekend Argus
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Cornal Hendricks was set for Bulls coaching job before untimely passing
FILE - Cornal Hendricks hadn't played since March before his passing on Wednesday night. Image: Backpagepix Late Springboks wing Cornal Hendricks was in talks with the Bulls about a possible coaching job at the union a week before his untimely passing. The 37-year-old Hendricks passed away on Wednesday evening from a heart attack, 10 years after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition. After the diagnosis in 2015, doctors advised Hendricks to quit the game. But Hendricks still wanted to keep playing and sought a second opinion. After four years in the rugby wilderness, and playing club rugby in the Boland with boyhood club Roses United, the Bulls gave the Bok flyer a rugby lifeline in 2019. A couple of years later, he won the Covid-19 influenced Super Rugby Unlocked title and the Currie Cup with the Bulls, winning the player of the tournament for the latter competition in the 2021-22 season. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ Hendricks earned 115 caps and scored 34 tries across all competitions in five seasons with the Bulls before leaving the union in September last year. He returned home to the Boland Cavaliers where his professional rugby career kicked off in 2008. But Hendricks ended up playing only three games in the SA Cup for Boland and hadn't played any rugby since March. There has been no confirmation why Hendricks hadn't featured in Boland's run to the semi-finals, which saw them gain entry into this season's Currie Cup competition. But it seems like Hendricks was on the verge of retiring from the sport, especially after Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone confirmed at a somber and heartbreaking press conference on Thursday that they approached Hendricks to return to the union in some of sort of coaching capacity. 'About a week ago I spoke to Cornal about a role here after rugby, because we know what he can add,' a tearful and visibly emotional Rathbone told reporters. What is for sure is that Hendricks left an indelible mark at Loftus Versfeld, not only with his magnificent talents with ball in hand, but also the spirit and positivity he brought to the Bulls off the park. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 'This is the toughest press conference I've had to do in my career. We lost a beloved member of our family,' Rathbone said. 'Cornal will always be remembered as a guy who had a hell of a lot of energy, always up for a joke. He was the heart and soul of this team. 'Cornal will be missed, he was always the same person whether he was selected or not. It's a great example for younger players. He will be missed, but he won't be forgotten. 'Cornal embodied the spirit of what rugby should be. He played with a smile on his face, and that must never be forgotten.' Rathbone revealed that Hendricks has annual checkups with controversial cardiologist, Dr Wouter Basson during his time at the Bulls. The Bulls were lauded for giving Hendricks a second chance to live out his dreams. But such was Hendricks' determination to play again after his diagnosis, that he would have found a way to get on a pitch somewhere. 'For him to live out his passion is a great thing. For us to take credit for that would be wrong,' Rathbone said. 'Knowing the person that Cornal was, he would have found a way to live out his passion, whether it was with the Bulls or somewhere else. 'He had such a strong will to play, even club rugby. That would have been enough for him.' Rathbone sent his condolences to Hendricks' wife, Stephanie and their three kids on behalf of the Bulls, saying they will support the family during this difficult time. 'It's with great shock that the news came … our thoughts and prayers with his wife Stephanie and his three kids. I don't think there are words that can console them at this time,' the Bulls chief said. 'We are in discussions with the family and our shareholders about how we can support them. Cornal left us in September last year, and he and Devin [Williams] were still running soup kitchens in Pretoria.' @JohnGoliath82
