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IOL News
26-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
'Resilience, courage and love . . . ' Late Springbok Cornal Hendricks' emotional farewell
Former teammates and friends of the late Cornal Hendricks carry his coffin into the church for his funeral service in Wellington. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media There were tears, sadness and even a few moments of laughter as former teammates, coaches, friends and family reflected on the life of Cornal Hendricks during an emotional funeral service in his hometown of Wellington. Former Springboks wing Hendricks was laid to rest in Paarl's Heroes Acre on Sunday after his shock passing on May 14 following a fatal heart attack at the age of 37. Former teammates who came to pay their final respects included current Paarl-born Boks Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie, while Bulls coach Jake White and chief executive Edgar Rathbone also made the trip down from Pretoria to say their goodbyes. It was White and Rathbone who gave Hendricks a rugby lifeline in 2019 after four years in the wilderness after he was diagnosed with a heart condition that prevented him from taking the field. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Former teammates such as Springboks Juan de Jongh, Lionel Mapoe and Gio Aplon carry Cornal Hendricks' coffin to its final resting place at Paarl's Heroes Acre. 📹 Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media — IOL Sport (@IOLsport) May 25, 2025 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. In 2022, Hendricks was close to Springbok selection after playing a starring role for White's team at inside centre. However, he was left out of the squad after then-Bok coach Jacques Nienaber confirmed that the SA Rugby medical team had not given him the 'green light' for selection. Hendricks left the Bulls in 2024 after earning 115 caps and scoring 34 tries across all competitions. His rugby journey then came full circle after he joined Boland, where his professional rugby journey started in 2008. That journey also included stints at the Free State Cheetahs and Blitzboks, before he became a Springboks in 2014, playing 12 Tests and scoring five tries. Handricks played his last competitive match for Boland in March during Boland's run to the SA Cup semi-finals after complaining of fatigue and shortness of breath. He was set to retire after the SA Cup before his untimely death. Former Springboks wing Cornal Hendricks, 37, died on May 14 following a heart attack. Bulls coach Jake White attended Cornal Hendricks' funeral. Cornal Hendricks' Springbok blazer adorned his casket. The funeral of Cornal Hendricks. Cornal Hendricks was laid to rest in his hometown of Wellington. On Sunday, during funeral at the NG Kerk Modergemeente in Wellington, many reminisced about Hendricks' career and unbelievable rugby ability. But they also spoke about his courage and perseverance in the face of adversity, like being told he would never be able to play rugby again. Many of Hendricks' Tests on the right wing were next to Bryan Habana on the left wing. In an emotional video message, the great Bok speedster managed to put into words what a giant of a man Hendricks was off the field. 'Cornal wasn't just a great rugby player, he was a man of faith and courage. A man of integrity and a steadfast character. A person who loved his fellow man and a man whose positivity always shone through, no matter how life treated him,' Habana said. 'He was humble even with all his successes and brave in his fights. He had that determination to succeed. To speak of Cornal, is to speak of courage and determination, of someone that defied the odds and never stopped believing in his story, even though some of the chapters had some unexpected setbacks.' Hendricks didn't attend a big rugby school and didn't even play Craven Week for Boland. In fact, he came through the club ranks in the province and worked in a factory while making his way through the ranks at the union. But it was his will to succeed that got him his first contract with the union, before bigger doors opened and his rugby career took off. 'From the humble streets of Wellington where his passion for the game was born to the proud moment of 2014 when he pulled on that Springbok jersey for the very first time, he played with an unwavering heart and inspired everyone around him,' Habana added. 'Even in the face of unimaginable setbacks when the whole world was telling him no, Cornal chose to rise up and not let life get the better of him. He fought with dignity, passion and prayer. He is a true testament to his faith, perseverance, resilience and his unwavering human spirit. 'I had the honour of sharing the Springboks jersey with Cornal on a number of occasions. Let me tell you, when he wore that jersey, he just didn't wear the green and gold, he honoured every fabric of it - every run, every tackle and every try. He always gave everything.'
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Celebrating life and legacy: Late Springbok Cornal Hendricks' funeral arrangements
FILE - Former Sprigboks wing Cornal Hendricks passed away after a heart attack. Image: Backpagepix Late Springboks wing Cornal Hendricks will be laid to rest on Sunday following his shock passing last week. The 37-year-old Hendricks suffered a heart attack, 10 years after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition that saw him miss four years of professional rugby. Hendricks made his Springboks debut in 2014, playing 12 Tests and scoring five tries, which included a memorable score against the All Blacks in 2014 when he cut their defences to shreds. 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 wilderness, Hendricks was given a lifeline by the Bulls. 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. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ In 2022, Hendricks was close to Springbok selection after playing a starring role for Jake White's team at inside centre. However, he was left out of the squad after then-Bok coach Jacques Nienaber confirmed that the SA Rugby medical team had not given him the 'green light' for selection. After leaving the Bulls in 2024, earning 115 caps and scoring 34 tries across all competitions, Hendricks' rugby journey came full circle after starting his career in Wellington where he grew up. However, he was advised to stop playing in March during Boland's run to the SA Cup semi-finals after complaining of fatigue and shortness of breath. Many have paid tributes to Hendricks over the last week, with the Bulls having a moment of silence and a minute's applause in the 14th minute of their match against the Dragons. The Sharks also had Hendricks' face and the number 14 on the back of their warm-up jerseys ahead of their match against Scarlets last Saturday. This week there will be two memorial services before Hendricks' funeral on Sunday. Boland will host a memorial service on Thursday at Boland Stadium in Wellington, while another memorial service will take place at CRC Paarl on Friday. Hendriks' funeral service will be at the NG Kerk Moedergemeente, Main Road, Wellington, on Sunday. Memorial services and funeral arrangements for the Cornal Hendricks: Thursday, May 22: Memorial Service, 12pm,, Boland Rugby Stadium, Fontein Street, Wellington. Friday, May 23: Memorial Service, 6pm, CRC Paarl, Jan Van Riebeeck Dr, Denneburg, Paarl. Sunday May 25: Funeral Service, 12pm, NG Kerk Moedergemeente, Main Road, Wellington. @JohnGoliath82
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. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. 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
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Bulls flags at half-mast as fans invited to lay wreaths for Cornal Hendricks
With more tributes pouring in, the Bulls will host a minute's silence followed by applause at the 14th minute against Dragons this Saturday. The Bulls have invited fans to pay tribute to the late Cornal Hendricks by laying flowers or any tokens of remembrance, such as letters or notes, at the iconic bull statue at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. This will be available via the ground's main gate from 6am to 7pm daily until next week Friday. Then this Saturday, when the Bulls play their last regular-season United Rugby Championship match against Dragons, the stadium's Bulls flags will be flown at half-mast as a sign of respect. There will also be a moment of silence and a minute's applause at the 14th minute (Hendricks' number) of the match. Hendricks remembered Hendricks, a 12-cap Springbok, was a Bulls veteran with 73 caps for the Pretoria union though he started and ended his career at Boland. His Springbok dream was cut short in 2015 when he had to take a three-year break from the game after being diagnosed with a serious heart condition and was told to quit the game. He never gave up, however, and made a return with the Bulls in 2017, where he won the Currie Cup and Super Rugby Unlocked titles with the team. Hendricks was a devastating winger who later on evolved his game and became an equally impactful centre with a zeal for life. He passed away in his home town of Wellington on Wednesday night, reportedly due to a heart attack. Tributes have poured in from players, unions and politicians across the country. A friend, leader and light Speaking on behalf of MyPlayers, the rugby players' and match officials' organisation, former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers said Hendricks was a true example of perseverance, humility and strength. 'Cornal was a teammate, but more than that, he was a brother,' De Villiers said. 'He was down-to-earth, humble and had the biggest heart. That's how we all knew him. He had this incredible energy that filled every room and lifted everyone around him.' De Villiers said Hendricks' journey was never easy but he faced every challenge with courage and faith. 'He carried himself with humility, always putting others first, always showing up with a smile. He gave so much to the game and even more to the people in it. 'His loss is heartbreaking. We've lost a giant of a human being and he will be missed deeply, not just as a rugby player, but as a friend, a leader and a light in our rugby family.' 'Cornal faced challenges many wouldn't come back from' Springbok fullback Willie le Roux said he still remembered Hendricks' Springbok debut against Wales in 2014, where he passed the ball to Hendricks to score in his first game. 'He wore his heart on his sleeve – an absolute legend,' Le Roux said. 'When he walked into a room, he lit it up. He was funny, always had jokes and his attitude was something truly special. Cornal faced challenges many wouldn't come back from, but he did, and with grace. We've lost a fighter and he'll be deeply missed.' Former Springbok and Cheetahs teammate, Oupa Mohoje, said: 'The bereavement of Cornal came as a massive shock to all of us, a person who truly energised the room with positive energy wherever he was. He will sorely be missed. Condolences to his family. May they be strong during this time.'
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
‘An infectious smile that brightened our world': Tributes pour in for Cornal Hendricks
'Cornal's legacy goes beyond the field; he embodied the spirit of never giving up, perseverance, and excellence, inspiring countless individuals both on and off the pitch.' The Bulls and Roses United Rugby Club have paid tribute to former Springbok winger Cornal Hendricks, who tragically passed away at the age of 37 on Wednesday, reportedly due to a heart attack. The Paarl native played 12 Tests for the national side, scoring five tries for the Springboks, including one on his 2014 debut. He also had a stellar Sevens and club rugby career, first with Boland, then the Cheetahs (27 caps between 2013 and 2015) and then the Bulls (73 caps between 2018 and 2024), before he returned to his homeland, Boland, for his career swansong. His Springbok dream was cut short in 2015 when he had to take a three-year break from the game after being diagnosed with a serious heart condition and was told to quit the game. He never gave up, however, and made a return with the Bulls in 2017, where he won the Currie Cup and Super Rugby Unlocked titles with the team. He was a devastating winger who later on evolved his game and became an equally devastating centre with a zeal for life. 'A loved member of the Loftus family' Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone said 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,' Rathbone said. '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.' The Bulls boss described Hendricks as a brother, son and inspiration to both the young and old. '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. He was a special player who defied all the odds and became our inspiration for everyone, may he rest in perfect peace.' Rathbone said 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.' Hendricks found second chance at the Bulls Bulls director of rugby Jake White said many people were shocked and sad when his career was cut short when he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition in 2015. However, he made a return via a move to the Bulls three years later after cardiologists gave him the go-ahead to play. '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,' White said. '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. 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.' Roses United say Hendricks a 'beacon of inspiration for many' Roses United Rugby Club, where Hendricks began his rugby career, said his passing 'sent shockwaves throughout the Drakenstein Region and beyond, leaving a deep and lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him'. They said he was not only a remarkable rugby player but also a 'beacon of inspiration for many'.
